Pakistan fully supports Turkey’s efforts in fight against terrorism, Imran tells Erdogan

Premier telephones president, condoles over Turkish solders’ death in Idlib attack

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday telephoned Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and conveyed his “heartfelt sympathies and condolences” on the loss of lives of a number of Turkish soldiers in an attack in Idlib in Syria.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Turkey’s legitimate security and humanitarian concerns in the region and also lauded Ankara’s humanitarian assistance, including through hosting millions of Syrian refugees.

Violence has escalated between regime fighters and Turkish forces in the Idlib region, the last rebel bastion in Syria, in the past weeks, killing dozens of troops on each side. On Sunday, Turkey confirmed a full military operation in northwest Syria after 34 Turkish soldiers were killed.

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Imran told Erdogan that the people of Pakistan stood in solidarity with the brotherly Turkish nation in this time of grief and sorrow. “Pakistan fully supports Turkey’s efforts in its fight against terrorism,” he added.

While appreciating Turkey’s efforts for hosting millions of Syrian refugees, Imran called on the international community to help Ankara bear this enormous burden. He also offered all possible support and assistance from Pakistan in this regard.

The prime minister also stressed the need for the international community to come forward and play its role towards finding a political solution to the Syrian conflict, as well as addressing the prevailing humanitarian crisis.

Imran thanked President Erdogan for his unequivocal support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He updated Erdogan on the prevailing situation in occupied Kashmir and the recent killings in targeted violence against Muslims in India.

Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI called President @RTErdogan, today, and conveyed heartfelt sympathies and condolences on the loss of lives of a number of Turkish soldiers in the attack in Idlib 1/7 pic.twitter.com/iIlZ8wRijF

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) March 3, 2020