ISLAMABAD: (APP) Reiterating his government's clear stance against terrorism, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday called for unity to foil the conspiracy of creating fissure in the Muslim Ummah.
Addressing the joint session of the Parliament, the Turkish president said terrorists had nothing to do with Islam as the promotion of peace and brotherhood was basis of Islam.
Chaired by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the session was attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while in the galleries were the chief ministers of Pubjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan besides the services chiefs and diplomats from various countries.
As the guest entered the House, the members arose from their seat and thumped desks to welcome him.
The national anthems of both the countries were also played.
The Turkish president said strengthening democracy in Pakistan was laudable and also apprised the House of the foiled coup attempt in his own country.
He said relations between Pakistan and Turkey were beyond just words as both were brotherly countries in real term, bound by common religious and other multiple ties dating back to Caliphate movement.
He recalled Pakistan's support in various instances including earthquake in 2004 and announcing of day of mourning after a terror incident in Turkey. Turkey also announced a day of mourning after terrorist attack at Army Public school in Peshawar, he added.
Besides their close cooperation against terrorism and for promotion of economic, trade, defense and cultural ties, the president said both the countries were also paying attention to the projects of public interest.