Turkey backs Pak stance regarding Afghan security

• Kh Asif meets Turkish President Erdogan and PM Binali Yildirim;
• Pakistan made highest number of sacrifices to fight terror in region
• Khawaja Asif talked about the regional security, trade and matters 
• of mutual interest with Turkish leadership during first day of visit

ANKARA: Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in the capital of Turkey where they discussed mutual ties between the two countries.

The Turkish leadership expressed best wishes for Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Turkish Prime Minister Yildirim said that his country appreciates the sacrifices made by Pakistan in war against terrorism, adding that both countries have meaningful relations.

He acknowledged that Pakistan made the highest number of sacrifices to fight terrorism in their region, requesting the international community to realise the sacrifices of over 60,000 thousand Pakistanis. Turkey supports Pakistan's stance in Afghanistan security, he further stated.

Khawaja Asif talked about the regional security, trade and matters of mutual interest with the Turkish leadership. The meeting was also attended by their Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. 

He embarked on a one-day official visit to Turkey on Tuesday to discuss the US policy review regarding Afghanistan and South Asia, apart from US President Donald Trump s allegations of safe havens in Pakistan.

Earlier on his arrival, Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkey Syrus Qazi and Turkish officials greeted him at the airport.

The two sides would review bilateral relations and regional issues, including in Afghanistan, grave human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir, atrocities against Rohingya Muslims and other issues of common concern.

Earlier, Asif had called on Iranian President Dr. Hassan Rouhani and discussed strengthening of brotherly relations between the two countries rooted in common history, culture and people to people ties and reaffirmed the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has embarked on a one-day official visit to Turkey on Tuesday for discussion on the new US policy regarding Afghanistan and South Asia.

The foreign minister will hold meeting with Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. Bilateral ties, current regional and international developments will be on the agenda.

Last week, Asif delayed his meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington. The Pakistani government also postponed the visit of Alice Wells, acting assistant secretary of state for South Asian affairs, to Islamabad.

During his day long visit to Tehran on Monday, Khawaja Asif called on Iranian President Dr. Hassan Rouhani and discussed strengthening of brotherly relations between the two countries rooted in common history, culture and people to people ties and reaffirmed the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, soon after his arrival in Tehran, Foreign Minister held detailed talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif on bilateral relations and the prevailing regional situation, including efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Khawaja Asif stated that pursuing the policy of peaceful neighbourhood, Pakistan was committed to further strengthen relations with Iran and to work closely for promoting peace, security and development in the region. In this regard, he expressed satisfaction over increasing engagement between Pakistan and Iran while emphasizing the need to focus on promoting trade, economic cooperation and connectivity.

The Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif reaffirmed Iran s commitment to deepening relations with Pakistan in diverse fields including in trade, investment, connectivity as well as border management. Both Ministers shared deep concern over human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.

The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views about efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan, particularly in the context of latest developments in Afghanistan. They agreed that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and a politically negotiated settlement was imperative for lasting peace in Afghanistan. They underscored that the regional countries have vital stakes in stability in Afghanistan should play a more proactive role in the peace efforts. The two Ministers also expressed deep concern over the atrocities being committed against Rohingyas and agreed on the need for urgent humanitarian efforts to alleviate their suffering. - NNI