Nawaz, Yildrim on same page against extremism

• Turk PM suggests highest level of cooperation in counter-terrorism

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Turk Prime Minister Binali Yildrim on Thursday said that both Pakistan and Turkey were facing the threat of terrorism and expressed the commitment for close cooperation to fight menace for region’s peace.

In a joint press stake-out following the co-chairing of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, the two prime ministers expressed resolve to take strict action against terrorism and extremism within their countries. Nawaz emphasised that Turkey’s enemies were Pakistan’s enemies and re-affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stand with Turkey in its fight against terrorism.

He expressed the confidence that Turkish leadership would effectively eliminate all threats of terrorism and would march to peace and prosperity under the guidance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He said that Pakistan was currently facing the challenge of terrorism and mentioned the recent terror attack at the Sufi shrine, which was a symbol of peace.

However, he said efforts would continue against terrorism in all its forms. Prime Minister Yildrim said that Turkey was making contribution to regional stability despite being a target to terrorism. He suggested that Pakistan and Turkey should have highest level of cooperation in counter-terrorism. He said that Pakistan had a key role in the region and was making progress in many areas despite confronting a number of challenges.

He said that Turkey would continue to step up its cooperation with Pakistan – a country which has a very bright future. He said that President Erdogan would visit Pakistan next month to attend the summit of Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). He also said that Turkey was ready to do its share in any possible way to improve relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He suggested good neighbourly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

On the failed coup in Turkey in July 2016, Prime Minister Nawaz said that Pakistan reaffirmed solidarity with the Turkish government and nation for upholding the spirit of democracy. He strongly condemned the heinous attempt against democracy and said that Pakistani nation had all prayers for the 248 Turkish martyrs who lost their lives for their motherland. He said that the Turkish nation’s stance stood mightier than the roaring tanks and guns and their sacrifice would be remembered.