Turkish PM addresses Pakistan Parliament

(Islamabad) – Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the joint session of Pakistani parliament for the second time in four years, becoming the first international leader to speak to lawmakers twice in Pakistan.
Addressing the parliament, The Turkish premier expressed his pride over addressing the parliament for the second time and thanked the Speaker of National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza and other members for giving him the opportunity.
Erdogan offered sage advice for the parliament and the opposition saying, “the parliament plays a very important role in protecting the country. There is heavy responsibility on the members of the parliament. This is a force which can do everything.”
The premier lauded Pakistan for upholding democracy in the country and said that democracy has never been achieved easily in the world. “The government should put this power, bestowed by the people, to good use,” he suggested.
Erdogan also upheld the friendship between Turkey and Pakistan and vowed to help Pakistan in its hard times. He said, “Pakistan’s pain is our pain, Pakistan’s happiness is our happiness… There is no example of the deep love held between Pakistani people and the Turkish people. I feel like I am at home here, I feel like I am with my relatives and brothers.” He further extended his country’s help in fighting against extremism.
The joint session was also addressed by Pakistani Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
All the leaders boasted of a strong Pakistan-Turkey relationship and vowed to take it further to ensure peace and stability in the region.