Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Wednesday, said that fraternal and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye had been on a high trajectory as both countries were solidifying their economic, defense and strategic cooperation.
Addressing a ceremony to commemorate the proclamation of 102nd Republic Day of Turkiye, the prime minister expressed his satisfaction that the leadership of the two brotherly countries had held several high-level meetings and ‘agreed to jointly share their joys and sorrows together.’
He said that they had gathered here to celebrate the great day with their Turkish brothers and sisters when Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had laid a foundation of modern Turkiye.
The prime minister said that the day was being celebrated all over Pakistan and in Islamabad, Turkish flags were fluttering, reflecting ‘our hearts beat with our Turkish brothers and sisters.’
He said that Turkish journey of progress and prosperity, had seen remarkable pace in the last many decades, ever since, late Kemal laid its foundation.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and officials.
Lauding President Erdogan’s role, the prime minister said he had been a leading light of progress, prosperity and resilience not only for his own countrymen but in the entire world and the Muslim world.
Such achievements could not have been possible without his dynamic leadership, he added. The prime minister further observed that modern Turkiye was a reflection of modernity, combining Turkish culture and civilization.
He said the relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye did not start from 1947 but dated back to centuries and during Tahreek-i-Khilafat, the Muslim women in Indo-Pak sub-continent, sold their jewelry to support Turkiye.
The prime minister said that their forefathers did not know that a day would dawn when an independent Turkiye would emerge, pay back to them in terms of love, affection and contributions and stand with Pakistan through thick and thin.
He further commended that Turkiye; a forward-looking country stood with Pakistan in wars and devastating earthquakes and floods.
Referring to recent war with India, he said the armed conflict lasted for 14 days, in which Pakistan’s armed forces led by prudent and brave Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir and the air force under leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, had taught India, an unforgettable lesson. During this period, he said, Turkish President Erdogan stood with Pakistan like a rock. In 2005 earthquake, Turkiye was a leading country which supported Pakistan, and during 2010 devastating floods, it extended all possible support.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to Turkiye for supporting Kashmir issue and reiterated Pakistan’s support to Turkiye over the cause of Northern Cyprus. On the occasion, the prime minister also cut a cake.