Erdogan offers to deescalate tension between Pakistan, India
- By Web Desk -
- Mar 03, 2019
ISLAMABAD: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said Turkey was ready to do its part to de-escalate tension between Pakistan and India.
Addressing a campaign rally in Trabzon, he hailed Pakistan’s move in handing over an Indian pilot downed in the recent tension, adding that he looked forward to seeing similar steps from India.
Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Varma said India would not accept any offer of mediation.
Tension between both the neighbouring countries escalated after, two fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were shot down by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in broad day light on February 27.
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Turkey had categorically announced to stand by Pakistan and its people in the pace of Indian aggression.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavusoglu expressed these sentiments during his telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
The FM Qureshi had on February 27 said that the UN secretary general also telephoned him and while expressing concern over the current situation assured to play his role in whatever way and manner he could.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II had on Friday telephoned Prime Minister Imran Khan and voiced concern over the latest tensions between Pakistan and India.
During the telephonic conversation, the Jordanian king had offered to play his role in calming tensions between the two South Asian countries and felicitated PM Khan over successfully tackling the situation.