ANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Tuesday that Turkey appreciated Pakistan's support to international fight against terrorism and its fight against extreme factors.
President Sezer hosted a dinner in honor of President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan, who is currently in Turkey on an official visit.
Before the dinner at Cankaya Presidential Palace, Sezer said that Turkish-Pakistani relations had a bright future and the two sides wanted to further develop cooperation in every fields.
Underlining that Turkey and Pakistan were located in regions of the world which were strategically important, but also instable, Sezer said that clashes continued beyond these countries' borders. ''Afghanistan and Iraq are serious sources of concern for our countries. Their negative effects have serious risks not only for us, but also stability of regions where Turkey and Pakistan are located,'' he noted.
Sezer said that they appreciated Pakistan's support to international fight against terrorism and its fight against extreme factors.
Sezer stressed that Pakistan also had an important role in international efforts to bring stability and peace to South Asia.
''We also have been watching with appreciation democratic progress in Pakistan and support it. Constitutional reforms which have been adopted recently became a turning point in that respect,'' he stated.
President Sezer noted that Turkey's and Pakistan's determined attitude on protecting modern and democratic values was the best answer to those who talked about clash of civilizations.
Sezer also condemned terrorist attacks against peace and stability in Pakistan.
(EÖ-AÖ) 20.01.2004