The International Strategic Research Organisation (USAK) - a premier Turkish think-tank in Ankara hosted a seminar in which Former Prime Minister and President Pakistan Muslim League (N) Nawaz Sharif was the chief guest. The seminar was organised to review the foreign policy of Pakistan and regional security issues in South Asia. Nawaz Sharif started his speech by extending his deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims of the Van earthquake.
He pointed out the close ties between Turkey and Pakistan. According to a message received here, Nawaz said that Turkey has always been an encouraging example not only for its neighbours, but also for Islamic countries. Nawaz Sharif stated that the assistance and support from Turkey to Pakistan in hard times such as quakes or floods have always been commendable. He further said that both the countries are blessed with strategic importance, with Turkey being at the crossroads between Asia and Europe and Pakistan being in the heart of South Asia.
He further said that the economic and political support should be further extended, as it will help in development of both the countries as well as peace and stability of the region. Concerning terrorism, he underlined that there could be no excuses for violent actions whether from state or non-state actors and terrorism should be opposed in every way.
While Nawaz Sharif drew attention to his belief that the sovereignty of states should be preserved, he also stressed the need of redressing the roots of terrorism. He said that the existing economic, social, political and cultural ties among the countries in the region should be developed in order to resolving the issues that may cause terrorism.
Nawaz Sharif gave two concrete examples regarding Pakistani foreign policy concerning two immediate neighbours of Pakistan: Afghanistan and India. He pointed out that Pakistan and Afghanistan have always had organic ties with regard to culture and social life, and also said that Pakistan wants to see a sovereign Afghanistan.
Nawaz Sharif strongly indicated that Pakistan has no interests in Afghan soil, while saying that the Pakistani policy regarding Afghanistan is not limited to one political party or another, but keeps in mind the people of Afghanistan. "If there is no peace in Afghanistan, there cannot be any peace or stability in Pakistan," he said.
Earlier, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called on Turkish President Abdullah Gul. Nawaz Sharif expressed his deep grief and sorrow on the loss of human lives in the recent earthquake in Turkey. He said that Turkey and Pakistan are bound together in strong ties of friendship and have always shared each other's joys and sorrows. He said that Turkey has helped Pakistan in every hour of need and extended invaluable co-operation in the development of Pakistan. Turkish President appreciated the policies of Nawaz Sharif government during its tenure for the economic progress of Pakistan and strengthening the country. He said that there is a need for further extending co-operation between Pakistan and Turkey in trade, tourism, industries and other sectors. He also thanked Mian Sharif for extending solidarity with Turkish people affected by the earthquake.-PR