After America, Saudi Arabia now Turkey Too.?

Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Monday asked Pakistan’s leading political parties to show unity and focus on the country’s future.Speaking at a joint press conference with President Pervez Musharraf at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Gul said, “They (political parties) should look at the big picture and behave constructively. It is good for Pakistan.”“Pakistan is passing through a critical time... therefore, from this kind of critical period, all the leading teams should focus on the future of Pakistan,” added the Turkish president, who is the first international leader to visit Pakistan after proclamation of emergency on November 3.Domestic realities: Gul said democracy was not an isolated phenomenon and was linked with the domestic realties of a country. “Democracy is essential for sustainability of states, but at the same time, realities of a country should be taken into consideration,” he said. He urged the international community to recognise Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism and adopt a “constructive approach” towards it. He said Pakistan and Turkey, along with Afghanistan, were part of the trilateral peace jirga that sought to enhance cooperation in fighting extremism.Meeting good: Addressing the press conference, President Musharraf said Gul’s engagement with various party heads was a “good move”. “I know it is going to be positive and in the interest of Pakistan. When the president (Gul) meets these political leaders, they have to keep Pakistan’s interest foremost. My slogan is Pakistan comes first. My brother (Gul) is going to speak for Pakistan because his interest is in Pakistan and not in any individual or political party,” he said. Musharraf said people should look at the situation in the larger framework and national interests should govern political and personal issues.He said his meeting with Gul had covered a wide range of bilateral matters, including regional and international issues, war against terrorism and cooperation in defence production, economic and political relations. Musharraf said they discussed the restructuring of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, the importance of Pakistan’s location as a trade and energy corridor and the US-Iran nuclear standoff.Gul agreed with the president’s statements and said they had exchanged views on important issues including peace and security in the region. He said Turkey was a member of the OIC Kashmir Contact Group that was striving to find a solution to the dispute on the basis of international legitimacy. The Turkish president also said that he considers Pakistan as his second home, reported Online.Later, the Turkish president met with Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro. Gul also visited the National Monument and laid a wreath there. He also planted a sapling at Shakarprian.Speaking at President Gul’s farewell banquet at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday evening, President Musharraf called upon the world to show understanding of the gravity of challenges faced by the country and the steps taken by the government to avert instability, reported APP. He expressed the hope that the Turkish president’s visit would boost bilateral ties.Abdullah Gul, on the occasion, said Pakistan and Turkey’s friendship was unique in how it had stood the test of time. “Turkey and Pakistan have always stood together in confronting major challenges,” he said. He also appreciated President Musharraf’s idea of enlightened moderation.The Turkish president left on Monday evening after his two-day state visit. He was presented with a photo album of the two days he spent in the federal capital as a memento.