Turkish President expresses solidarity with Pakistan against US threats

ISLAMABAD: In a telephonic conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his country’s solidarity with Pakistan against the threats given by the US President.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Turkish President has expressed concerns over US President Donald Trump’s accusation of harbouring terrorists on Pakistani soil.

“Turkey will stand by Pakistan at any situation,” the State Radio quoted the Turkish President as saying.

Acknowledging the country’s supreme sacrifices, Erdogan reportedly said Pakistan has rendered unmatched sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

President Mamnoon Hussain expressed gratitude to the Turkish President for supporting the Pakistan’s narrative. He maintained that the country would remain committed to playing a constructive role towards an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

On Jan 1, the US President said that the United States has “foolishly” given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years and has gained nothing from it.

“They (Pakistan) have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools.They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!,” said Trump.

Trump’s accusations seemed to have further strained ties between the two countries. To lodge protest over his remarks, Pakistan on Monday summoned the US ambassador in Islamabad to the Foreign Office.