Turkish president accuses West of helping terrorists

Visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday accused the Western nations of "supporting terrorists," citing that weapons recovered from terrorists were made in the countries.

Addressing the Pakistani parliament on the second day of his visit to Pakistan, the Turkish leader said terrorist organizations were bringing bad name to the Islam religion.

"Terrorist organizations like Islamic State and al-Qaida are inflicting damage only on Muslim countries. Turkey will continue campaign against terrorist groups. It is the responsibility of every country to root out the menace of terrorism," he said.

Erdogan, who arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday, lauded Pakistan's support during a frustrated coup in July. He accused the exiled Turkish leader Fateullah Gullen of masterminding the failed coup.

"Fateullah Gullen, while sitting in Pennsylvania, is dreaming of ruling the entire world," he said and thanked Pakistan for extending "necessary cooperation" in tackling the challenge thrown by the organization of Gullen.

Earlier, speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Turkish president also urged Pakistan and India to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue.

For his part, Sharif said the two sides have agreed that increased trade, investment and commercial cooperation must be the nucleus of the robust economic relationship.

He said Pakistan and Turkey have decided to complete the negotiation for a comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement by the end of next year.

"Pakistan and Turkey are indispensable partners and they would continue to work together closely to strengthen peace, security and development in the region and beyond," he said. Endit