Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif mentioned the July 15th “heinous
coup attempt” in Turkey, which he said disturbed the people of
Pakistan who fully backed the resolve and resilience of Turkish
nation in resisting the “illegal assault against democracy”.
“The courage with which President Erdogan led this effort from
the front was decisive and entire Pakistani nation regardless of
political affiliation was unanimous in support and solidarity for
Turkey’s elected government and democratic institutions,” he said.
The Prime Minister said, “We believe that the people of Turkey
wrote a new chapter in the annuls of history and democracy and set
an example for others.”
He expressed hoped that Turkey would continue to march forward
towards peace, progress and prosperity under President Erdogan’s
charismatic and visionary leadership.
President Erdogan thanked Pakistan for expressing solidarity
with Turkey regarding the coup attempt and mentioned the telephone
calls he received immediately by President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif, in
the aftermath of coup.
On the support shown by both Houses of Pakistani parliament by
passing the resolution expressing solidarity with Turkish government
and nation, Erdogan said “we would never forget this stance and
sincerity”.
The Turkish President also thanked the Pakistan government on
asking the staffers of Pak-Turk schools financed by Fetullah Gulen
to leave the country by November 20, and said Turkey was also taking
necessary steps to curb Gulen’s network.
He expressed hoped that other friendly countries would follow
the suit of Pakistan’s decisive step against Gulen’s terrorist
organization.
Earlier, the two leaders held one-on-one talks and also led
their respective sides at the delegation-level meetings.
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq
Dar, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan
Abbasi, State Minister for Health Saira Afzal Tarar and Foreign
Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry attended the delegation-level talks.
APP