Yemen conundrum: Nawaz, Erdogan call for joint efforts to tackle unrest

ISLAMABAD: Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have agreed for efforts in unison to deal with the deteriorating situation in the war-stricken Yemen.

Late on Saturday, the Turkish president called Nawaz and urged the Pakistani premier to boost efforts for the political solution of the Yemen crisis.

According to the PM’s office, Nawaz reciprocated the stance saying the Houthi rebels do not have the right to topple the elected government in Yemen.

Read: Yemen conflict: Pakistan's decision is dangerous and unexpected, says UAE foreign minister

In the conversation that spanned 45 minutes, the leaders discussed the Middle Eastern situation at length and called for consistent measures to evolve a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Both leaders also agreed that any threat to the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia will be dealt with iron hands.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s office said that Nawaz Sharif is constantly in contact with the leaders of Muslim countries, with his efforts aimed at easing the turmoil endangering global peace.

Read: Yemen crisis: Pakistan, Turkey to work for a peaceful solution

Earlier this month, the premier held a joint press conference after holding a one-on-one talks with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara to strengthen the joint view of the two countries.

The two leaders expressed concern over the use of force by non-state actors in Yemen that led to the overthrow of its government.

He highlighted that Pakistan and Turkey have close and brotherly relations with other Islamic countries in the region and attach great importance to their security and territorial integrity.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan, after detailed discussion in the parliament, has decided not to become a part of the war, but reiterated that any threat to the integrity of Saudi Arabia will be dealt with accordingly.