Erdogan reassures support on Kashmir issue

ISLAMABAD: Turkey has reassured support for Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue.

In a telephonic conversation with President Dr Arif Alvi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan assured that his country would continue to support Pakistan's stance on Kashmir as both brotherly countries have similar goals.

The two leaders also exchanged Eidul Azha greetings and discussed important matters, including Kashmir and Covid-19 pandemic. President Erdogan also invited Dr Arif Alvi to visit Turkey when the pandemic ends. While congratulating Erdogan on reopening of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia as mosque, Dr Arif Alvi reiterated Pakistan's steadfast support to Turkey.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also felicitated President Erdogan on reopening of the Hagia Sophia for prayers and told him that millions of Pakistanis watched it live on television.

During his telephonic conversation with the Turkish President, Imran Khan recalled Erdogan's visit to Pakistan in Feb and reaffirmed commitment to further fortify bilateral cooperation.

Imran Khan said Pakistan-Turkey strategic relationship is underpinned by unique mutual trust, understanding and close cooperation. Both leaders agreed to support each other on important issues of common interest.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to stay in close contact on all issues of common interest.

The consensus to this effect was reached during a telephonic conversation between the Prime Minister Imran Khan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders also exchanged views on range of important issues.

Imran Khan said Pakistan-Turkey strategic relationship is underpinned by unique mutual trust, understanding and close cooperation. He said Pakistan deeply appreciates Turkey's steadfast support for the just cause of Kashmir, which President Erdogan reaffirmed during his address to the joint session of Parliament in Feb this year.

The Prime Minister briefed the Turkish President about government's strategy to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Pakistan and particularly focus on saving lives and securing livelihoods.

They also discussed need for Pakistan and Turkey to jointly work for medicine development in the face of Covid-19.