Erdogan praises Pakistan's anti-terrorist FETO closures

By Yusuf Hatip

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday praised Pakistan’s resolve to dismantle networks of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) in the country, stressing both countries' determination to fight terrorism.

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks in the capital Islamabad, Erdogan stated, "It is necessary to dismantle this evil network. The terrorist organization is a threat to the security of Pakistan.”

Ahead of Erdogan’s two-day visit, Pakistan moved to shutter a network of schools run by FETO and deport its foreign teachers, in a move welcomed by Ankara.

Erdogan added, “I am thankful for the solidarity clearly demonstrated by the Pakistani administration on this matter, and for their decisive stance against this organization. Turkey and Pakistan have always stood side by side."

On the terrorist threat, Erdogan underlined that both countries are engaged in fighting terrorism. “We are not forsaking Pakistan and we remain supportive of Pakistan on the basis of [shared] experiences. Without international cooperation we cannot reach a solution”

Erdogan slammed some Pakistani newspaper columnists’ “naïve” comments about FETO, stressing, “They are not welcome.”

On the Kashmir question, Erdogan said, "The issue of Kashmir needs a resolution based on dialogue between Pakistan and India in line with UN resolutions, and the demands of the Kashmiri people should be considered. As a president [of a country], and a term president of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation [OIC], we are determined to continue our support.”

Sharif, for his part, said, “We have decided to form a strategic partnership on our special relations, prioritizing the economic side. We agreed to create a solid bedrock for bilateral relations in trade, investment, and the economy. In this regard, we also agreed to implement the process for a free trade agreement before 2017.”

Led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, FETO is accused of orchestrating a July 15 coup plot in Turkey as well as being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

The July 15 defeated coup left 247 martyred, and around 2,200 others wounded.