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PRESS RELEASE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
16 March 2008
PRESS RELEASE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF
THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
(Unofficial Translation)
Turkey strongly condemns the heinous terror attack that took place in Islamabad, the capital of friendly and brotherly Pakistan last night, in which, according to initial reports, Turkish citizen Sacide Ender Kayi Baskaya lost her life and many others were injured.
Turkey fully supports Pakistan, which is continuing its democratization with determination through the recent general elections, in its fight against terrorism and extremism. Turkey follows the terror attacks, which target the peace and stability of the Pakistani people with great grief and concern.
Lastly, after the explosions in Lahore on 11 March 2008, H.E. Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey called H.E. Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan and conveyed his condolences and reconfirmed Turkey’s solidarity with Pakistan.
Turkish citizen Mrs. Sacide Ender Kayi Baskaya, who lost her life on last night’s attack, was a member of “Support to Life” (Hayata Destek), a Turkish non-governmental organization that engaged in humanitarian aid activities in Pakistan since the earthquake of 2005.
From the moment of the explosion, developments were closely followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad and necessary steps were taken.
In the meanwhile, H.E. Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan called H.E. Engin Soysal, Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad and expressed his sorrow over the death of Mrs. Kayi Baskaya and requested his sympathies to be conveyed to H.E. Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey and to the Turkish people.
Turkey will continue its support to and solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and extremism with determination.
We feel deep sorrow over the death of our citizen Mrs. Sacide Ender Kayi Baskaya, who lost her life on this abhorrent attack by bloody-handed terrorists, while helping the Pakistani people. We express our condolences to the Kayi Baskaya family, wish swift recovery to the injured and also convey our sympathies to the people of Pakistan.
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MESSAGE BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS H.E. MR. ALI BABACAN ON THE OCCASION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
MESSAGE BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
H.E. MR. ALI BABACAN
ON THE OCCASION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
(10 DECEMBER 2007, MONDAY)
Today, we are commemorating the 59th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. With this Declaration, human rights have gained a universal dimension on the basis of the common basic contemporary principles. At global level, the Declaration stands as a principal reference instrument in the realm of fundamental rights and freedoms.
In Turkey, which was one of the founding members of the UN that signed the Declaration, the protection and promotion of human rights is crowned also among the priorities of our foreign policy.
Today, the level of alignment with contemporary standards in the domains of human rights, democracy and the rule of law is one of the main criteria for being a respected member of the international community. The international organizations and mechanisms, of which Turkey is a member, provide significant contributions to our reform process pursued with determination in the field of human rights.
In this regard, the main state policy is to ensure that the fundamental rights and freedoms of our citizens, who are equal before the law, are enjoyed and exercised freely by them without discrimination, irrespective of their origins. All forms of discrimination are prohibited by the Constitution and the relevant laws.
Our resolute policy conducted against discrimination is manifested by constructive cooperation with all relevant international mechanisms of the conventions and monitoring bodies to which Turkey is a party at both international (UN) and regional (Council of Europe and OSCE) fora. In this field, Turkey contributes to the international cooperation against adverse currents increasingly witnessed in the aftermath of September 11 seeking to create new fault-lines in the international community on the basis of religions and cultures. The Alliance of Civilizations Initiative, which is co-chaired by Turkey and Spain, constitutes the most concrete example of our policy in this regard.
As a country that has long adhered to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our foreign policy in this field is pursued within the framework of the domestic reform process on the one hand, and conducted with the aim of contributing to international efforts for the protection and promotion of human rights on a global scale, on the other. In 2007, the consolidation of the reforms through implementation has been the main focus in the field of human rights, where the relevant legislation has been reviewed in a comprehensive manner through a total of nine reform packages in the recent years. These policies, indeed, are testimony to the fact that at the global level Turkey envisions the modern world and shares common values through the same lenses with the other respectable members of international community in the field of human rights.
With these considerations in mind, I celebrate the Human Rights Day of our citizens and of the international community, and wish a bright future, in which the respect for human rights is solidly rooted whereby all humankind can fully enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms.
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84TH NATIONAL DAY
OF TURKEY MESSAGE BY
H.E. MR. ENGIN SOYSAL
84TH NATIONAL DAY OF TURKEY
MESSAGE BY H.E. MR. ENGIN SOYSAL
On the occasion of the 84th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to my fellow countrymen in Pakistan and to express my best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of our Pakistani brethren.
On this auspicious day, I would like to share with our Pakistani friends my deep feelings of happiness for having had the honour of serving among wonderful people. I don’t have to emphasize that we Turks very sincerely consider Pakistan to be our own home.
The Turkish people fought the War of Istiqlal, as the Ottoman Empire was being invaded by the victors of the World War I. Following the Turkish triumph, Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk declared Turkey as a Republic on 29 October 1923.
The success of Turkey set an example for many nations struggling for independence in Asia and Africa. Turkey immediately embarked on a course of modernization and reform in all aspects of life. Despite the fact that the liberation struggle had been waged against major European powers, Turkey proceeded to establish good relations and cooperation with the West, and based her political and legal systems on modern, secular models.
The goal, as expressed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the great leader of the liberation movement and the first President of the Republic, was “to reach the level of contemporary civilization”. And to achieve this aim, a doctrine for foreign policy was formulated that has held true to this day, in the words of Atatürk, “Peace at home, peace in the world”.
Turkey, with its dynamic economy, pluralistic democratic political structure, lively cultural life, peace seeking diplomacy and modern army is a point of attraction in a vast region and a credible and respected member of the international community.
This status of Turkey is the result of the decades of joint efforts undertaken by our nation, from its statesmen and politicians to its civil servants, workers and farmers; from its industrialists and traders to its soldiers, educators, scientists and technicians; from its artists to its athletes and our citizens working in foreign countries.
The Republic of Turkey has been pursuing an outward-oriented development scheme and export-led growth since 1980 within the context of globalization. Furthermore, Turkey has been going through a very comprehensive process of economic reform and restructuring during the last several years. Macro-economic indicators have been following a positive trend.
Today, Turkey is among the twenty largest economies in the world with a GNP of about USD 400 billion. As a matter of fact, Turkey has recorded a sustainable growth during the last 20 quarters. The growth rate was % 6.1 in 2006.
Turkey is situated on a key location for the increasingly important energy, transportation, and communication networks that link the East to Europe. Turkey’s contribution to the regional countries, and especially to the EU will not be limited only to its own economic potential but also encompass the strategic geography it is located in.
The European Union membership remains to be our major policy priority. Developments in the Turkey-EU integration process are followed with deep interest in the world public opinion. This is particularly valid for Muslim countries and their peoples. Indeed, this project contains a vision that could positively affect the welfare, stability and peace of a vast geography beyond Europe and Turkey.
Membership to the EU is a process has its roots back in the late 1950’s. The start of the accession negotiation on 3 October has opened a new page in Turkey-EU relations. Now, Turkey is an accession country.
In the meantime, our age-old friendly relations with Pakistan have been gaining more and more strength. These relations derive strength from the deep-rooted historical ties and a com
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PRESS STATEMENT
REGARDING THE RECENT
BLASTS IN RAWALPINDI
BY THE TURKISH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
No-124 4 September 2007
PRESS RELEASE
(Unofficial Translation)
The reports on the abhorrent terrorist attacks that took place in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi province on 4 September 2007, which claimed 24 lives and left 66 wounded, have been received with deep regret and concern.
In all her contacts at multilateral, regional and bilateral levels, Turkey has been stressing in the strongest terms that terrorism should be condemned regardless of its sources and pretexts, and be considered as a crime against humanity. Turkey has always underlined the vital importance of effective international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
In this context, Turkey strongly condemns these heinous terrorist attacks which aimed at well-being of our Pakistani brothers and at the stability and peace in Pakistan.
Turkey sincerely shares the grief of brotherly people of Pakistan, for this loathsome attack. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks and the Pakistan Government, and wish speedy recovery to those wounded.
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"Turkey-Pakistan: Sixty
Years of Brotherhood"
Article by Turkish Foreign
Minister H.E. Abdullah Gul
Turkey-Pakistan: Sixty Years of Brotherhood
On this auspicious day, which marks the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of Pakistan, it is with feelings of great happiness and emotion that the Turkish people send their greetings to the brotherly people of Pakistan.
Turkey and Pakistan are proud of their deep brotherly relations that extend far into history and cover almost all spheres of social, cultural and political activities. Turkish-Pakistani friendship is unique in its kind. The support and solidarity by the Muslims of the Subcontinent to the Turkish National Independence War is enshrined deep into the collective memory of the Turkish nation.
The founders of modern Turkey and Pakistan, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Muhammad Ali Jinnah are two great leaders whose visions still pave the way for our future.
The Quaid-e-Azam, in his speech in reply to Yahya Kemal Beyatli, first Turkish Ambassador and well-known poet, presenting his credentials on 4 March 1948, expressed that “many spirituals and sentimental ties born and grown in the course of a long history bind the people of Turkey to the people of Pakistan” and underlined that “...from the very birth of political consciousness amongst the Muslims of this great subcontinent, the fortunes of your country were observed by us with deep sympathy and interest.”
Ever since the creation of Pakistan, the relations between the two brotherly countries have been gaining strength from year to year. They are indeed enjoying exemplary bilateral relations. It is a matter of satisfaction that these deep-rooted links are being continuously strengthened by the governments of the two countries in the present day setting. A process of mutual consultation at the highest level has been in operation since long, to ensure that on all important international issues, particularly on matters affecting their respective interests, the two proceed in unison. The exchange of high level visits has been an important chain of this process. They provide an excellent opportunity to review progress of implementation of various policy decisions taken from time to time.
Both Turkey and Pakistan are situated strategically at important locations. They have worked together in many instances to counter challenges. They share similar concerns on most of the current international issues and closely cooperate at various international fora. We need to work even with more vigor and enthusiasm to manifest and mobilize the enormous potential that our countries possess.
Both Turkish and Pakistani people desire peace, stability, development and prosperity in their neighbourhood, and seek to benefit from the positive aspects of globalization. Consequently, the primary objective of our foreign policies is to help secure and cultivate a peaceful, stable, prosperous and cooperative regional and international environment that is conducive to human development at home as well as in its extended neighbourhood. Pakistan has always been a strong supporter of UN ideals, and played a constructive and active role in the international fora, inter alia, Non-Aligned Movement.
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On the economic front, Pakistan has developed itself tremendously. Pakistan is striving hard to implement broad-based multi-sectoral reforms that have revived and repositioned the country and made it ready to face the challenges which lie ahead. Pakistan has achieved a phenomenal economic growth rate these past several years. Pakistan’s economy continues to perform impressively and its economic fundaments have gained further traction. These reforms are well recognized domestically and internationally and as a result Pakistan today is an anchor of peace and stability in its region and in the world. She is also in a better position to leverage its strength for promotion of its national interests. Strategically located as a regional hub, with strong and efficient human resources, Pakistan is a right place for Turkish investors. On the other hand, Turkey has also all the ingredients to become a driving force behind regional economic growth. Thus, it provides equally attractive opportunities for Pakistani investors.
The cultural relations between Turkey and Pakistan are also very deep-rooted. Urdu and Turkish not only share a very large vocabulary with each other but the temperament of the two also has a remarkable resemblance. Their syntax is identical and there is a large treasure of common sayings and proverbs that bear sufficient evidence to the common thinking of the people of the two countries on various social and cultural aspects of life. This common thinking also extends to the field of literature. Both the countries have produced a number of literary giants whose works have further paved the path of friendship between the two. Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal’s work, in this respect, is worth mentioning.
The globalized world of today, with its high levels of interdependence requires societies to understand one another in greater depth than ever before. Consequently, employing cross-cultural skills that facilitate mutual understanding among societies has become a key condition for peaceful relations in the 21st century. Likewise, societies with distinct historical and social experience are well placed in cultivating and articulating cross-cultural skills. Turkey, a co-founder of the “Alliance of Civilization” initiative, Pakistan as introducer of “enlightened moderation” philosophy, are such countries.
Terrorism and extremism are scourges that threaten all countries of the world. Turkey very much appreciates the contributions and sacrifices of Pakistan towards combating terrorism and extremism by joining the international campaign against terrorism.
Looking beyond 60 years of brotherhood and people to people affection, Turkey and Pakistan share the political will to further enhance their relations in every field. Turkish partnership with Pakistan is significant in overcoming challenges of this age. Thus we are looking to the future with confidence.
Pakistan Zindabad!
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PRESS RELEASE ON THE OCCASION OF 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
INDEPENDENCE OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN
No:114
14 August 2007
PRESS RELEASE
BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
ON THE OCCASION OF 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF
THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN
(Unofficial Translation)
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its independence we congratulate the brotherly country of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
There are centuries-old deep-rooted historic bonds between the peoples of Turkey and Pakistan. Turkish and Pakistani peoples have always supported each other not only through the good times, but also during difficult times. The support of our brothers in the Sub-Continent with extraordinary sacrifices during our War of Liberation still remains fresh in the memories of the Turkish people. Today, the strong solidarity and common sentiments between the two peoples continue unabated.
We are determined to develop our bilateral relations and cooperation in every field on the path opened by the great leaders of the two nations, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Muhammed Ali Cinnah. The two countries whose foreign policies put special emphasis on peace and stability, also act in solidarity in the international arena.
Pakistan is in a key position in its region. We stand ready to lend every support to Pakistan in its endeavors to fulfill, with determination and high consideration, the responsibilities imposed on her by history and geography. We especially follow with appreciation Pakistan’s struggle that is carried out with much sacrifice against terrorism and extremism. Having suffered herself for years from terrorism, Turkey will always stand by Pakistan resolutely in this struggle. The well-being of Pakistan is important not only for the peace and stability in the region but also for the global peace and security.
Turkey will continue to deepen and diversify its cooperation with Pakistan in every field in the future. We see it as a brotherly duty to stand by Pakistan. The friendship and solidarity between our peoples will continue forever.
More info : Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Republic of Turkey
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