President Mamnoon, Erdogan discuss plight of Rohingya Muslims

Both leaders meet on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit

President Mamnoon Hussain and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed on Sunday the issue of the Rohingya Muslims being persecuted in Myanmar.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit on science and technology in Astana, Kazakhastan.

Both leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two nations and pledged to further solidify the long-term relationship, Express News reported.

Besides, they also spoke about regional issues including that of Afghanistan.

Lauding Islamabad’s role in eliminating terror and restoration of peace in the region, Erdogan pledged his country’s support to Pakistan’s efforts for a peaceful resolution to Afghan conflict.

Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria tweeted:

Turkish President Erdogan met with President Mamnoon Hussain on the sidelines of the OIC Summit on Sci&Tech in Astana 1/2

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 10, 2017

The two Presidents discussed Pak-Turkey relations &regional issues including Afghanistan & the situation of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar 2/2

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 10, 2017

The Turkish President appreciated Pakistan's contribution in COMSTECH as its Chair & its support to the first OIC Summit on Sci&Tech

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 10, 2017

Separately while addressing the OIC summit, President Mamnoon said Muslim countries around the globe should make collective efforts for the development of science and technology to meet the challenges of the new era, Radio Pakistan reported.

Highlighting rapid changes occurring in the fields of science and technology, Mamnoon emphasised the need for enhanced focus of the Muslim world to improve the agricultural production and develop agricultural technology sector.

“With solid foundations of education and skilled healthy manpower, it will be possible to focus on higher education and research in emerging areas of science and technology,” the president said. “Unity among the Muslim Ummah is very imperative for development, prosperity and a safe future for the new generation.”



The president regretted that Muslim countries had failed to pay attention to education for the last several centuries, adding it was crucial for the Muslim nations to be self-sufficient in political and socio-economic sector “to revive the golden era of education”.