Appearing from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad & Quetta

Monday, October 26, 2009, Zhul-Q'ada 06, 1430

Hosts banquet Visit strong expression of solidarity: PM

Sharafat Kazmi

Islamabad—Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani says Pakistan today is with unprecedented challenges and the visit of the Turkish Prime Minister is strong expression of solidarity and amity with our people.

He was speaking at a banquet hosted by him in honour of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and members of his delegation here Sunday night.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said the threat of intolerance, extremism and terrorism has its roots in the three decades old conflict across our western border. He said Turkey’s resolute support to us in our fight against violent extremism is and will remain a source of great strength to us. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said peace and stability in Afghanistan is of vital interest to Pakistan and central to the progress and prosperity of the entire region. He said Pakistan fully respect the political process in Afghanistan and looks forward to working with the new representative Afghan government for the betterment of our two peoples.

Turning to relationship between Pakistan and Turkey he said the two countries enjoy special relationship based on shared values, common interests and convergence of perceptions on regional and global issues.

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