Imran Khan lends support to Turkey in economic crisis

• PM-in-waiting assures President Erdogan of support amid US sanctions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and prime-minister-in-waiting Imran Khan tweeted on Tuesday to lend support to Turkey in face of the economic crisis brought on by sanctions imposed by the United States (US).

In his tweet, Imran Khan assured President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the people of Pakistan “are praying for their success in dealing with the severe economic challenges confronting them” as Turkey is a nation with a “glorious history”.

On behalf of the people of Pakistan & myself, I want to let President Erdogan & the people of Turkey know we are praying for their success in dealing with the severe economic challenges confronting them, as they have always succeeded against adversities in their glorious history.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 14, 2018

On Monday, the Foreign Office had issued a statement assuring Turkey of amicable relations.

“Pakistan, in principle, is opposed to [the] imposition of unilateral sanctions against any country,” said Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal. The solution, he had said, lies in “dialogue, mutual understanding and goodwill”.

Faisal had termed Turkey a “vital member and engine of the global economy” and appreciated its role in promoting regional and global stability.

“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,” Pakistan’s FO spokesman had said.

Pakistan will stand with the Turkish people “as always,” he had added.

The US had imposed sanctions on two Turkish officials earlier this month over the detention of US pastor being tried in the country on charges of espionage and terrorism-related issues. Turkey had vowed to retaliate against US measures “without delay”.

With the Turkish Lira in decline after US President Donald Trump doubled steel and aluminium tariffs against Turkey on Friday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the country would seek new markets and partners elsewhere.