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Friday March 29, 2024

Pakistan, Turkey to stand by Saudi Arabia

Nawaz visits Turkey; holds discussions with Erdogan, Davutoglu on Yemen issue; both countries stress negotiated settlement; seek OIC’s role in ME crisis

By our correspondents
April 04, 2015
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey expressed their resolve to stand by Saudi Arabia in this hour of need and to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.Both the countries decided to establish joint mission to put up efforts to enhance diplomatic efforts for negotiated settlement of Yemen crisis.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who visited Ankara on Friday morning returned home late in the evening was extremely satisfied with his interaction with the Turkish leadership as both the countries had unanimity on safeguarding the integrity and interests of Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had detailed discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Middle East situation.Nawaz Sharif briefed Turk leaders on the discussion he had with King Salman bin Abdul Aziz in Riyadh and explained Pakistan’s position on the Yemen situation.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will visit Tehran next week (April 7) and he will later visit Riyadh.It is likely that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will visit Islamabad next week immediately after the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif. In this way, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey will have collaboration on the ME crisis.
The sources privy to the talks told ‘The News’ that Turkey was willing to facilitate dialogue between legitimate Yemen government and warring groups in accordance to the parameters laid down by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan would support the move. Pakistan ambassador to Turkey Sohail Mahmood, who was part of the visiting delegation of Nawaz Sharif, told The News from Ankara that the two countries had also discussed role of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for peace efforts. The ambassador maintained that the visit of prime minister was highly successful and fruitful. The two countries had also decided to expand their consultation process to the countries of the region relevant to the situation, the envoy added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara soon after his arrival and discussed regional situation with particular reference to Yemen crisis and bilateral relations also came under discussion. On this occasion, he said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed themselves exemplary relationship. “Pakistan is desirous of transforming close bonds into economic cooperation,” he added.
The Turkish president hosted luncheon in honor of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Adviser to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant of PM (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry were also with the prime minister.
Nawaz Sharif and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu held talks in Ankara and offered Juma prayer together. In their meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as the situation in the Middle East with focus on the developments in Yemen.
Nawaz Sharif said the prevailing situation in Yemen could plunge the entire region into turmoil. He said Pakistan and Turkey were concerned over the overthrowing of legitimate government in Yemen by non-state actors. Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan and Turkey together called upon the warring factions in Yemen to resolve the differences peacefully. He said both Pakistan and Turkey had close relations with Saudi Arabia and both had agreed to stand by Riyadh in its hour of need. “We have agreed to extend all possible support for the defence of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Nawaz Sharif said and added Pakistan and Turkey also maintained close and brotherly relations with other Islamic countries in the region and attached great importance to their security and territorial integrity. He said that Pakistan would stay engaged with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries in the region.
The Turkish prime minister, on this occasion, said Pakistan and Turkey shared views on Yemen crisis. He said Turkey had been maintaining contacts with Saudi Arabia on this issue. He said both Pakistan and Turkey were ready to play their role for bringing stability in the region.
Later, addressing a joint news conference, the two prime ministers said Pakistan and Turkey were determined to resolve the Yemen issue through peace talks. The two countries said they were willing to work together for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Yemen. They were critical of the use of force by non-state actors in Yemen that led to the overthrow of its government.
Prime Minister Nawaz termed the situation in Yemen “grave,” and cautioned the crisis might endanger unity of the Muslim Ummah and said it also had implications for the whole region.He recalled his conversation with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a few days back in which they agreed to discuss the Yemen issue. He referred to his talks with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and said both sides were of the view, “The current crisis in Yemen could plunge the region into turmoil.” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Saudi Arabia was a close friend of Pakistan and Turkey. “We agreed that we will stand by Saudi Arabia in its hour of need … [and] agreed to extend all possible support in the defence of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Prime Minister Nawaz said Pakistan would stay engaged with Saudi leadership and those of other Muslim countries in the region. He said exchange of such visits was essential for joint policies on international issues.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu in his remarks said both the countries held unanimity of views on the crisis in Yemen. He said Turkey had always supported efforts for peace and tranquility in Yemen. Turkish PM referred to Turkey’s stated position with reference to situation in Yemen and said his country was in contact with both Saudi Arabia and Iran and called for an end to the strife in the region. The Turkish prime minister said both Pakistan and Turkey were willing to work for peace in the region and stressed for an end to the role of non-state actors. He mentioned close bilateral ties between the two countries in all spheres and said they had stood together through thick and thin as had been proved by history. He said their talks covered bilateral ties and the situation in the region that was passing through a historical phase.
The Turkish prime minister said both Pakistan and Turkey held regular consultations with each other and had voiced their concern over the situation in the region. He said Turkish foreign minister would visit Pakistan next week to carry forward the process of consultations. He said Turkey viewed positively the outcome of Iran nuclear talks.