ISLAMABAD: Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yaldarim on Thursday reiterated his support for Pakistan’s stance on Held Kashmir, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is on an official visit to Turkey, thanked the premier on Turkish support to Pakistan on various international fora. According to the military’s media wing, both discussed matters related to regional security and commonality of challenges facing the two brotherly countries.
PM Yaldarim appreciated the positive role that Pakistan plays in the region as well as in the larger Muslim world. “Pakistan and Turkey share same stance on many issues and Pakistan supports Turkey’s position on Cyprus as well as its efforts against terrorism of all hue and colour,” the army chief said.
A day earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the visiting army chief that Muslim countries can contribute towards global peace and stability. “Islamic countries can contribute immensely towards global peace and stability and OIC [Organisation of Islamic Conference] offers a platform to do that through conflict resolution and dialogue,” Erdogan remarked, and acknowledged sacrifices made by Pakistan and contributions by Pakistan Army in fight against terrorism and militancy. He went on to say that Pakistan plays a very important role towards that end and multi-faceted cooperation between the two brotherly countries will have a positive influence. The two noted that Turkey and Pakistan can always count on each other’s unconditional and sincere support.
Gen Qamar also called on Turkey’s Defence Minister Fikri Isik and discussed matters related to regional situation and bilateral security cooperation.
Published in Daily Times, June 23rd, 2017.
