PML-N chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is in Istanbul on a seven-day official visit to the brotherly country. He was jointly invited by Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. During his stay there, he will be holding talks with Turkish leadership and will interact with the business community, political leaders of all shades, scholars and intellectuals. Turkish leadership particularly Premier Erdogan has, in the recent past, taken daring and courageous decisions including refusal to the United States for using his countrys airspace for operations against Afghanistan. On the issue of seeking membership of the European Union, Mr Erdogan also stated that no compromise would be made to obtain it. Turkey has always stood by Pakistan on all international forums to support Islamabads stand on global issues including Kashmir dispute. Nawaz Sharifs decision to proceed on his foreign tour so close to the date announced for his partys protest rally at Nasir Bagh on October 28 clearly indicates how much he values relationship with Turkey. Babar Awan of the PPP while addressing a small rally stated that the Sharif brothers always run away from the country when they face difficult situation at home. Mr Awan should have rather appreciated the fact that despite the impending event, Nawaz is taking time out to reach out to an ally, a friend and a brother in the larger interests of both countries.