Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s first visit to Pakistan after assuming the office of president, his constructive meetings with Pakistani leaders and address to the joint session of parliament has not only signified deep rooted relations between the two brotherly Muslim countries but also made a history in many ways.Erdogan has become the first foreign dignitary to address a joint session of parliament for the third time having done so earlier in October 2009 and May 2012 as prime minister of his country. The government and the people of Pakistan always deeply admired Turkey and the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan and in return he never hesitated in terming Pakistan as his second home.  Pakistan and Turkey share a common bond of religion, history, culture, and ethos. Cultivated over the years by the people of the two countries, these special bonds got strengthened manifold with this historic visit.Describing Pakistan and Turkey as two brotherly countries, President Tayyip Erdogan’s categorical support to Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir stressing for its solution under the UN Security resolutions and calling upon the OIC member countries to play their role for peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue speaks volume of Turkey’s resolve and commitment to take its relations with Pakistan to new heights.His unwavering support to Pakistan on Kashmir and other global issues indicates that Pakistan being sole nuclear power in the Muslim World and Turkey an emerging economic power can steer Muslim Ummah out of present its morass with collective efforts.It is matter of great satisfaction that Turkish president not only supported Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir conflict but also assured to play role in defending Pakistan in case of any aggression against the country by India as a part of conspiracy to foil China Pakistan Economic Corridor. President Erdogan during his press conference with Prime minister Nawaz Sharif condemned Indian aggression at LoC in resounding words with assurance that Pakistan will not be left alone in its fight against the terrorism. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are especially indebted to the leadership of President Tayyip Erdogan and his government for unprecedented support in the wake of devastating earthquake in 2005. The people of Turkey and government were the first of the few countries who came to the help of affected population and participated in rescue, relief and rehabilitation process. The Turkish government built and rehabilitated campus of the Azad Kashmir University, constructed large complexes for the government offices and set up schools and colleges and established a state of the art hospital in AJK after the earthquake. The leaderships of the two countries are mindful of the imperative of rendering our vast reservoirs of goodwill into a robust economic partnership. President’s Erdogan’s visit will certainly be a giant step in this direction.We do expect that Pakistan will always remain a sincere, resolute and unwavering partner, friend and brother to Turkey and both the countries will continue to explore new avenues for strengthening their mutual cooperation in various fields. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is one such area that can bind the two countries together. Pakistan and Turkey are also well placed as active Muslim countries for reforming UNSC. At times when Turkey needs help, Pakistan must come forward to strengthen this bond.
