ISLAMABAD: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan on his speech at the Parliament and his statesman-like offers to India for de-escalating the situation and working towards peace.

He phoned Imran Khan and said Islam is a religion of peace that underscores resolving disputes in a peaceful manner.

He appreciated the announcement by the Prime Minister to release the captured Indian Air Force pilot and pointed out that this gesture was a sign of strength.

The Prime Minister briefed President Erdogan on the situation as it evolved over the past few days and the efforts he made to de-escalate the crisis.

He also referred to the extremely difficult situation in Indian occupied Kashmir and the brutalities inflicted upon the Kashmiri people.

The Prime Minister thanked President Erdogan for his constant support for Pakistan and the Kashmiri people.

Both leaders agreed that President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan for the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting would provide opportunity for an in-depth overview of bilateral relations and the way forward.

The Prime Minister underscored "Pakistan is the one country that will always stand by Turkey".