- Pervaiz Khattak says Turkey and Pakistan are ‘two countries, one nation’
ISLAMABAD: Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul has reiterated his country’s unflinching support to Pakistan on all issues from Kashmir to FATF and said that “Pakistan was the only country for which Turks would have full faith always”.
While addressing the participants of a grand reception to observe the 95th anniversary of Turkey, the ambassador said, “For us, the Turks, that option is time-tested, signed and sealed by each and every respective citizen and thus obvious; Pakistan.”
“Turkey regarded Pakistan as its brother and would always support it at international forums either including Kashmir issue,” he added.
The grand reception was arranged at the Turkish Embassy and was attended by politicians, diplomats, armed forces personnel and journalists.
Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak, who was the chief guest for the occasion reciprocated the views expressed by the ambassador that “Turkey and its great people would always carry a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis”.
“Both the countries have stood by each other through thick and thin and proved themselves as two countries, one nation,” he maintained.
Following that, Ambassador Ihsan Mustafa also delivered the message of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the audience to eulogise all Turkish heroes particularly Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who lead the victory on the War of Liberation and the foundation of our new state.
He further gave a special mention to July 15th, 2017 martyrs’ and said that the sacred memory of the members of Turkish security forces and citizens who lost their lives during the fight against terrorism will forever remain in our nation’s heart and maintain their place in the identity of our state.
“We will crown our great and everlasting journey, starting from Seljuk Empire to Ottoman Empire and reaching the young Republic of Turkey, with our 2023 goals and carry it to a higher level with our visions for 2053 and 2071,” he added.
He also talked about the Pakistan and Turkey relations saying that the “depth and importance of the bond between the people of the two countries is the nature of relations between Turkey and Pakistan”.
“When you occasionally have to leave the place where you live for any reason, your options to whom to give the key to look after your place are either your relatives or your friends/neighbours,” Ambassador Ihsan said.
“While choosing the options, you go for the one where you feel most secure and comfortable. For us, that option is time-tested, signed and sealed by each and every respective citizen in Pakistan,” he maintained.
Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak in his speech mentioned that President Arif Alvi was currently in Turkey to join the Turkish brethren in their celebrations of the National Day.
He said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the only foreign dignitary in Pakistan’s history who addressed its parliament for a record three times. He said both Pakistan and Turkey were supportive of the peace restoration process in Afghanistan.
Pervaiz Khattak said, “Bilateral relations between the two countries were not only important for them but also for the Islamic world as well.”
He further said expressed confidence that relations would move forward.
The celebrations concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony led by Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak and the Turkish Ambassador along with other officials.