ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stressed that Kashmir dispute coupled with water crises has central role in Pakistan-India relations and a just solution is necessary for lasting peace in the region under UN resolutions.
In a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mehmet Pacaci who met him at his Office in Islamabad on Wednesday, the minister reiterated Pakistan’s concern on Indian army cruelties on innocent people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially after revocation of Articles-370 and 35-A of Indian Constitution in August 2019.
Talking to the envoy, Khawaja Asif expressed satisfaction over common understanding on regional and global emerging situation.
“Pakistan and Turkey enjoy exemplary fraternal relations based on common faith, culture, values, civilization and historical linkages, mutual trust and support,” he maintained.
Moreover, he also emphasized that Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relations have been institutionalized under the forum of High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) under Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence relations under High Level Military Dialogue Meetings.
The minister for defence also appreciated the fact that defence engagement between Pakistan and Turkey with focus on building Pakistan’s capabilities through defence industrial collaboration and regular exchange of training, delegations, courses and conducting joint exercises.
Both sides showed satisfaction on various areas of common interest including security, counter terrorism and tackling developing situation in the region.