'Dialogue not war' is the solution to Pak-India problems: Turkish ambassador

Published February 26, 2019
Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul underscores the need for negotiations to find a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. — Turkish embassy in Islamabad
Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul underscores the need for negotiations to find a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. — Turkish embassy in Islamabad

Turkish ambassador to Pakistan Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul on Monday said that Istanbul is aligned with Islamabad's stance on the Kashmir issue, as he stressed that the only solution to Pak-India problems is "dialogue and not war".

Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Yurdakul said that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had condemned the Pulwama attack but underscored the need for negotiations to find a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue.

The ambassador said that Pakistani and Turkish foreign ministers, during a phone call, had declared the resolution of the Kashmir issue as imperative, adding that the two countries are in agreement on all bilateral matters.

Yurdakul acknowledged Pakistan's central role in fight against terrorism, recalling that Pakistan backed Turkey in the face of every challenge and was among the first countries to declare Fethullah Gulen a terrorist.

"Pakistan and Turkey have been battling terrorism for the past 30 to 40 years, and taking indiscriminate action against all terrorist organisations," he said.

The Turkish ambassador questioned where those raising voices from the European Union were when the "two countries were passing through challenges".

Yurdakul said that Pakistan and Turkey are working on a strategic economic framework, which he said would be finalised soon.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit of Turkey was a "very successful" one, adding that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would do a reciprocal visit of Pakistan following the local body elections.

Opinion

Editorial

Tough talks
Updated 16 Apr, 2024

Tough talks

The key to unlocking fresh IMF funds lies in convincing the lender that Pakistan is now ready to undertake real reforms.
Caught unawares
Updated 16 Apr, 2024

Caught unawares

The government must prioritise the upgrading of infrastructure to withstand extreme weather.
Going off track
16 Apr, 2024

Going off track

LIKE many other state-owned enterprises in the country, Pakistan Railways is unable to deliver, while haemorrhaging...
Iran’s counterstrike
Updated 15 Apr, 2024

Iran’s counterstrike

Israel, by attacking Iran’s diplomatic facilities and violating Syrian airspace, is largely responsible for this dangerous situation.
Opposition alliance
15 Apr, 2024

Opposition alliance

AFTER the customary Ramazan interlude, political activity has resumed as usual. A ‘grand’ opposition alliance ...
On the margins
15 Apr, 2024

On the margins

IT appears that we are bent upon taking the majoritarian path. Thus, the promise of respect and equality for the...