Turkey calls for calm between Pakistan, India
ANKARA – Anadolu Agency
Ankara is “concerned” over the prevailing tension between Pakistan and India, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said on Feb. 27.
"We are concerned over this tension. We want to call for common sense and calm between the parties. Steps that will escalate the tension should be avoided," Çavuşoğlu told reporters in the capital Ankara.
Çavuşoğlu's remarks came after Pakistan and India claims that they have shot down each other's fighter jets.
He also said the main issue between the countries was the Kashmir issue and this issue must be solved "as soon as possible" within the framework of the international law.
"This is also important for people of Kashmir," he added.
"Turkey is always willing to contribute to easing tension and to resolving these issues, including Kashmir," Çavuşoğlu said.
Çavuşoğlu said he had a phone contact with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi, but not with any Indian official yet.
"We are open to dialogue and of course we want to discuss this issue with India," he added.
Peace process in Afghanistan
The Turkish top diplomat said the tension between Pakistan and India affects the peace process in Afghanistan.
"Afghanistan should not be affected by the tension between the two countries. Turkey is sensitive on this issue," he added.
The minister reiterated that a trilateral meeting between Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will be held in Istanbul after March 31 local elections in Turkey.
