Islamabad, Feb 13: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized on Thursday that the resolution of the Kashmir issue should come through dialogue between India and Pakistan, taking into account the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
During his two-day visit to Pakistan, President Erdogan made these remarks following his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which included both one-on-one discussions and delegation talks.
The leaders oversaw the signing of 24 agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony and subsequently addressed the media, expressing their commitment to strengthen bilateral relationships while Erdogan highlighted the Kashmir issue.
“The Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolution through dialogue, keeping in mind the views of the Kashmiri people,” Erdogan stated.
He reaffirmed his country’s support by saying, “Our state and nation remains united with our Kashmiri brothers, as we have always been.”
In contrast, India has consistently asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the nation, stating that this status will continue indefinitely.
Ties between India and Turkey have tensed since India’s abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and restructured the territory into two Union Territories.
President Erdogan also expressed a strong interest in enhancing relations with Pakistan, saying, “In the seventh session of our council, which we just concluded, we have decided to fortify our partnership.”
“During this visit, we’ve signed 24 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding covering various sectors, including trade, water resources, agriculture, energy, culture, family and social services, as well as science, banking, education, defense, and health.” Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed that Pakistan is the second home for the Turkish leader and welcomed him back after a five-year interval.
“The people of Pakistan are very happy to host you and your delegation in this brotherly nation,” he stated, thanking Turkiye for its unwavering support during natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. “Your visit today has elevated our fraternal relations to a new level,” he added.
Upon Erdogan’s arrival in the morning, he was received at the Nur Khan airbase by the Prime Minister and former President Asif Ali Zardari.
Accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan and a delegation of investors and business leaders, Erdogan was honored with a formal welcome ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House, where he received a guard of honor from a contingent of armed forces and witnessed a fly-past by F-16 fighter jets.
Both leaders planted a sapling at the PM House to commemorate the occasion. Later, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also met with Erdogan to extend his greetings on the visit. (Agencies)
