Turkey’s Erdogan addresses Pakistani Parliament

Staff ReportISLAMABAD: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Pakistan’s parliament is taking strong measures to strengthen the democracy in the country.Addressing the joint sitting of the Parliament for the second time in three years today (Monday), Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said he salutes the people and parliament of Pakistan on behalf of the Turkish people and the parliament. “I feel proud to address the Pakistani parliament for the second time,” he said. He said the Parliament of Pakistan has gained a special status in the democratic world and that it has the ability to face every challenge with the power of people. Turkey, he said, stood by Pakistan despite past difficulties. He said democracy is the second name of reforms and that democratic culture has become an international culture. The visiting Prime Minister said democracy was not easily achieved anywhere in the world. Erdogan said the most important thing for any regime is to guide the new generation and to provide national service to all. Power is a huge responsibility rendered by the people, he added.
He praised President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani for their role to strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkey.
He said efforts being made to improve Pak-Turkey economic ties would continue, adding bilateral trade volume would exceed USD1 billion.
Pakistan, he said, is not alone in war against terrorism. SAMAA