ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan on Monday reiterated its strong support for Turkey, and said it opposed the imposition of sanctions against the latter imposed by the United States.
“Pakistan, in principle, is opposed to imposition of unilateral sanctions against any Country,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office in Islamabad.
It said that the solution to any and all issues should lie in dialogue, mutual understanding and goodwill.
“Any steps or actions to the contrary only undermine the peace and stability and make the solution to a problem more difficult and intractable,” it added.
The statement further said that Pakistan acknowledges and greatly appreciates Turkey’s invaluable role towards regional and international peace and stability. It is also a vital member and engine of the global economy, it said.
“The people and the Government of Pakistan reiterate their strong support for the Government and the people of Turkey in their quest for peace and prosperity, and as always, will continue to stand by them towards the achievement of these shared goals,” the statement added.
Earlier this month, the US slapped sanctions on two Turkish officials over a detained American pastor who is being tried on espionage and terror-related charges.
While last Friday, the US President Donald Trump said that he has authorised the doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs “with respect to Turkey”.
I have just authorized a doubling of Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum with respect to Turkey as their currency, the Turkish Lira, slides rapidly downward against our very strong Dollar! Aluminum will now be 20% and Steel 50%. Our relations with Turkey are not good at this time!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2018
