Türkiye working for joint strategy by Muslim world over Gaza, Islamophobia: Envoy

Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci says Ankara and Islamabad share common stand on both issues

KARACHI:

Türkiye is working to bring together the Muslim world on "same point" on the simmering issues of Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Islamophobia, and Cyprus, the Turkish ambassador to Pakistan said on Thursday.

Speaking at the Karachi Press Club, which hosted him as part of its Meet the Press series, Mehmet Pacaci said Türkiye and Pakistan already share a common stance on respective issues on all international forums, including the UN and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

"It's Türkiye's policy to bring together the Muslim ummah for a common stand on these issues," Pacaci said in response to a question regarding different blocs within the Muslim world.

Condemning the Israeli offensive on Gaza that has killed over 35,000 people, mostly children and women since last October, he said Ankara has already provided evidence of Israeli "genocide" in the besieged enclave.

Pacaci said Türkiye fully supports Pakistan's territorial integrity, and wants Pakistan and India to resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute through talks, and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

"Türkiye and Pakistan support each other on all key issues on international and regional forums. The two countries, which share deep-rooted bilateral relations have always stood alongside each other in trying times," he said.

"Be it the 2022 floods in Pakistan or the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, the two countries stood together and helped each other," the diplomat said.

He also appreciated Islamabad for taking action against Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO)-linked schools and individuals operating in Pakistan after the 2016 failed coup.

Pacaci said the current trade volume between the two countries is incommensurate with the close historical and cultural relations the two allies enjoy. The figure stands at around $1 billion.

The two governments, he added, have decided to increase the incumbent trade volume up to $5 billion in next two to three years. "We are working hard to achieve this target. Trade between the two countries through land route also needs to be improved," Pacaci said.