Pakistan, Turkey underscore need for resolution of Kashmir dispute

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey on Saturday underscored the need for resolution of the Kashmir dispute through a sustained dialogue process and in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

They also expressed the resolve to further strengthening the existing economic, trade and commercial relations between the two countries.

This was stated in a joint statement issued after the delegation level talks between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

Both the sides have agreed to initiate mechanisms for collaboration in health and agriculture sectors and decided to further enhance people-to-people contacts through increased exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism and youth fields.

They also underlined their abiding commitment fighting the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterated their resolve to fight against the Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization.

They agreed that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan could be achieved through reconciliation of all segments of Afghan society with support of the regional countries and the international community.

Turkey and Pakistan also reiterated their support for the settlement of Cyprus issue.

They called on international community to increase their support to the Palestinian people in realizing their quest for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine.

Both sides agreed to work closely against any attempts to malign, distort or vilify the historical image of Islam, its revered personalities, and its fundamental beliefs.