Speaker Ayaz Sadiq holds wide-ranging talks with Turkish Parliament Speaker; Receives reaffirmation of Turkey’s support on Kashmir dispute

ANKARA, 17 October 2016: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called on Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Mr. Ismail Kahraman in Ankara today and held wide-ranging talks on strengthening Pakistan-Turkey relations. He also briefed about the grave human rights situation in Jammu & Kashmir where Indian Occupation forces are committing atrocities against the defenseless Kashmiri people demanding their legitimate and inalienable right to self-determination. This indigenous mass uprising was sparked by martyrdom of young Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani.

While referring to the failed coup attempt of July 15, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said Turkey had demonstrated great resilience to the world by defeating the coup attempt, which served as a shinning example. He congratulated the Turkish leadership and Parliament on behalf of the people and Parliament of Pakistan. He also presented a copy of the resolutions adopted unanimously by both the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan in support of the Turkish Parliament and democracy.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also thanked Turkey for its consistent support on the Kashmir issue, especially its stance in the recent indigenous uprising. He urged for solution of Kashmir dispute according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions and will of the Kashmiri people. Ayaz Sadiq presented copies of five resolutions recently passed by Pakistan Parliament in support of Kashmiri people urging for final settlement of Jammu & Kashmir dispute as enshrined in relevant UN resolutions. Pakistan would continue supporting Turkey’s position on all issues including Cyprus, he added.

Speaker TGNA Mr. Ismail Kahraman highlighted the unique deep-rooted, historical and long-term relationship between Turkey and Pakistan. He reiterated Turkish support for Kashmir and stressed on peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute through dialogue and according to UN Security Council resolutions. “Kashmiris’ sorrow is ours sorrow,” said Speaker Ismail Kahraman, adding, “Kashmiris’ legitimate rights need to be recognized and respected.”

TGNA Speaker also thanked Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Pakistan Parliament and people for their strong support and solidarity with Turkey against the attempted coup. He informed that the resolutions of the Parliament of Pakistan in support of Turkey had been on display in the Turkish Parliament gallery.

The two sides agreed to work closely to further strengthen the multi-dimensional Pakistan-Turkey partnership, with a strong emphasis on trade, investment and economic cooperation. Both sides agreed that the early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be highly instrumental in promoting this shared objective. They also agreed to further deepen interaction between the Parliaments of the two brotherly countries. In this context, they agreed to enhance high level exchanges as well as joint meetings of relevant Parliamentary Committees.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is leading a Parliamentary delegation from Pakistan to the 36th Meeting of the Executive Committee meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states (PUIC) being held in Ankara from 17-18 October. Pakistan delegation includes members National Assembly Chaudhary Nazeer Ahmd and Lal Chand Malhi.