Turkey’s Erdogan Rakes Up Kashmir Issue After Talks With Pakistan PM, Offers Assistance
Turkey’s Erdogan Rakes Up Kashmir Issue After Talks With Pakistan PM, Offers Assistance
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has once again waded into the Kashmir dispute, reiterating Ankara’s interest in playing a mediatory role between India and Pakistan. After his talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Erdogan said both leaders discussed the Kashmir issue at length and “explored ways to assist.”
“Balanced policies can bring the parties closer to a solution and help prevent renewed escalation,” he noted, suggesting India and Pakistan to return to the negotiating table.
“We held comprehensive talks on the Kashmir issue with Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif and explored ways to assist. Balanced approach to issues can bring the parties closer to a solution and help prevent renewed escalation,” he said after the talks, suggesting that the two neighbouring countries get to the negotiating table.
Erdogan proceeded a step further and called for a “human rights-based resolution” to the Kashmir issue with the involvement of the international organisations – a complete contradiction to India’s stance.
“As Turkey, we hope for a resolution that respects human rights and involves constructive engagement from international bodies,” he said.
However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that talks and terrorism cannot happen together, adding that there are only two issues left to talk about with Pakistan – terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to India.(Agencies)