Kashmiris suffering due to Indo-Pak tensions: Turkish President Erdogan

Islamabad: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said the suffering of Kashmiris due to escalating Indo-Pak tensions "can no longer be ignored" as he called on the two countries to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue.

Erdogan, who arrived in Islamabad yesterday, made the remarks after he held detailed talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Addressing a joint press conference, the Turkish President told the media that during his one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Sharif they talked about the situation in Kashmir.

"Our brothers and sisters in Kashmir are suffering because of escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and Kashmir, which can no longer be ignored," Erdogan said.

He stressed on the importance of dialogue to address the thorny issue.

"The Kashmir issue needs to find a resolution for itself following a dialogue between Pakistan and India," Erdogan said.

He thanked Pakistan for siding with Turkey's elected government during a failed coup bid earlier this year. "Soon after the failed coup attempt in Turkey, I received a phone call from President Mamnoon Hussain and we discussed a possible response to the development," he said.

Erdogan also lambasted what his government has termed the Fethullah Terror Organisation (Feto) for allegedly supporting the coup and said it was a threat to other countries.

"We are in the process of warning all of our friends and countries (against Feto) across the globe with whom we have solidarity," he said.

Erdogan also welcomed Pakistan's decision to expel dozens of teachers and staff of Turkish schools in Pakistan which were controlled by Fetullah.

He said the two countries' relations were deepening in diverse fields, including the economic sector. "We are aiming to conclude free trade agreement before 2017," he said.

Erdogan said it was more than five years that a high level strategic council was set up to boost bilateral ties and Turkey will host its fifth summit soon.

"Pakistan and Turkey have been making improvements and progress in several fields, including health, defence and energy," he noted.

Sharif, in turn, said the "fraternal ties" between Pakistan and Turkey were unparalleled. He said 2017 will mark the 70th year of diplomatic relations and it will be celebrated in a befitting manner.

He also appreciated Turkey's efforts in helping Pakistan join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Sharif said he also updated that Turkish leader about the situation in Kashmir where he claimed "worst human rights atrocities are being committed" by Indian forces.

Meanwhile, officials said the two sides agreed in the one-on-one meeting to further expand the bilateral relations.