Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi on Friday visited Turkish Embassy here to offer deep condolences over the recent deadliest terrorist attack in Istanbul. Both Aziz and Fatemi signed the condolence book opened at the Embassy of Turkey in memory of the victim of terrorist attack at the Attaturk Airport in Istanbul.
Aziz in his message said, "When I heard the news of this barbaric attack at the Istanbul Airport, I felt as if it was an attack on Islamabad Airport." He also conveyed on behalf of the people of Pakistan and on his own behalf, the deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and prayers for the departed souls and for the quick recovery of the injured.
"We salute the resilience and courage of the Turkish people to stand up to the evil forces of terrorism", Aziz added. In his remarks, Tariq Fatemi also expressed his shock and deep grief at the attack on innocent men, women and children by the terrorists representing a heinous crime that deserves to be condemned in the strongest terms. He conveyed deep condolences to the people and government of Turkey on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan on this cowardly attack. He also prayed for the souls of the deceased and for the swift recovery of those wounded.
Fatemi also spoke of the historic fraternal relations between Pakistan and Turkey that have been significantly strengthened and cooperation deepened in the past years. He further stressed that Pakistan itself has been a victim of terrorism and has repeatedly reiterated its position of steadfast determination to counter it in all its forms and manifestations. In this difficult hour, Pakistan stands firmly in support of brotherly people of Turkey. He expressed his firm belief that the forces of disruption and disorder will be defeated eventually.