Amid Turkey’s ongoing military offensive in Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan postponed his visit to Pakistan which was scheduled for later this month, according to Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal on Thursday.
It had earlier been reported that the Turkish President would pay an official visit to Pakistan on October 23 to cement relations between the two countries and extend full support to Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue, the Dawn reported.
The Foreign Office spokesperson added that a new date for the visit is yet to be determined.
US Vice President Mike Pence, heading a US delegation that includes Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien, is set to arrive in Turkey on Thursday.
Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephonic conversation with President Erdogan to discuss matters of mutual interest.
According to ANI report, Islamabad has supported the Turkish offensive which has otherwise invited the wrath of the international community. Ankara began its offensive soon after US President Donald Trump decided to withdraw forces from Syria.
On the other hand, India has condemned Turkey’s unilateral military offensive in northeast Syria.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs released a statement last week that said, “Turkey’s actions can undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism. Its action also has the potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress. We call upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria”, according to ANI report.
The PM Imran Khan had spoken his Turkish President Erdogan over the phone to exchange views on recent developments and apprised the latter that Pakistan fully understood Turkey’s concerns relating to terrorism, PMO said.
The prime minister had said that, as ever, Pakistan stood in full support and solidarity with Turkey.
“We pray that Turkey’s efforts for enhanced security, regional stability and peaceful resolution of the Syrian situation are fully successful,” Imran had told President Erdogan.
(With inputs from IANS)