ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday and conveyed heartfelt sympathies and condolences on the loss of lives of a number of Turkish soldiers in the attack in Idlib.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the primer minister stated that the people of Pakistan were in strong solidarity with the brotherly Turkish nation in this time of grief and sorrow.
PM Imran Khanreaffirmed support for Turkey’s legitimate security and humanitarian concerns in the region and also lauded Turkey’s humanitarian assistance, including through hosting millions of Syrian refugees. He added that Pakistan fully supports Turkey’s efforts in its fight against terrorism.
While appreciating Turkey’s hosting of millions of refugees, the prime minister called upon the international community to help Turkey bear this enormous burden. He also offered to extend all possible support and assistance from Pakistan in this regard.
The prime minister also stressed that the international community should come forward and play its role towards finding a political solution to the Syrian conflict, as well as addressing the prevailing humanitarian crisis.
The Prime Minister thanked President Erdoğan for his unequivocal support on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, reaffirmed during his recent visit to Pakistan and especially during his address to the Joint Session of the Parliament.
He further updated President Erdogan on the prevailing situation in Indian occupied Kashmir and the recent massive killings in targeted violence against Muslims in India. He thanked President Erdogan for raising his voice on this issue as part of his espousal of Muslim causes worldwide.
Turkey is facing a diplomatic row in Syria and its relation with Russia. At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike on Friday by Syrian government forces in northwestern Idlib province.
Turkey vowed to respond in kind with attacks on their positions. Earlier on Tuesday, Turkey’s military shot down two Syrian government fighter jets over Idlib, hours after forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad brought down a Turkish drone over the region.
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