India's call for dismantling of Pakistan-based terror infrastructure received a boost today when Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he hoped Islamabad would be able to minimise terrorist incidents that claimed many innocent lives.
Terrorism was a key issue in talks between Turkish leaders and President Pranab Mukherjee, who pointed out ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control and its reluctance to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil.
Erdogan said all countries should come together to fight terrorism.
"Countries may not be able to completely destroy terror infrastructure but we hope that Pakistan will be able to minimise terror incidents as many innocents, including Muslims and Christians, fall victim to it in that country," Erdogan was quoted as saying by Indian officials.
He said terrorism is the most important problem facing the world and India and Turkey can benefit from each other's experiences in dealing with it.
Turkey is a key member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, holding the post of Secretary General of the grouping, and is considered a traditional ally of Pakistan.
Mukherjee held separate meetings with President Abdullah Gul and Erdogan during which both sides agreed to deepen their ties in counter-terrorism. They also agreed to be firm against the menace which threatens everyone.
The President pointed to problems faced by India because of cross-border terrorism, Pakistan-based terror infrastructure, and continued infiltration and ceasefire violations on the LoC.
Mukherjee pointed out to Erdogan that immediately after his visit to India in 2008, there was a terror attack in Mumbai and till date India has been asking Pakistan to bring perpetrators of this incident to justice.
He further said terror is the biggest menace threatening peace and tranquillity across the world.
Providing details of the meetings, Special Secretary P S Raghavan, Press Secretary to President Venu Rajamony and Indian Ambassador Susmita Gongulee Thomas told a media briefing there was no mention of Kashmir during the talks.
