ISTANBUL: Turkey’s prime minister has praised Pakistan’s cooperation in the fight against the Fetullah Terror Organization (FETO) following last year’s defeated coup.

Addressing a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Istanbul, Binali Yildirim said Turkey welcomed Pakistan’s “cooperation and sensitivity” on battling FETO, which Turkey considers a threat to Pakistan’s security as well.

“With your attitude, I am sure that FETO’s activities in our country will be ended,” Yildirim added.

Describing ties between two countries as “excellent,” Yildirim said: “We know that Prime Minister Abbasi and his delegation consider Turkey their second home — as we see Pakistan as our second home.”

Yildirim went on to say that Turkey would continue its active contributions to establish permanent stability in Afghanistan.

“In this framework, we sincerely desire the development of cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which we consider our brother.”

Yildirim also said Turkey welcomed Pakistan’s sacrifices to ensure stability and peace in Afghanistan.

Abbasi and his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim also agreed to bolster bilateral relations in diverse areas with particular focus on trade and economy.

Prime Minister Abbasi reiterated his country’s commitment to the fight against terror, saying: “We stand by Turkey to fight terror and end it.”

“We believe that our peoples are friends, and at the same time Turkey’s friend is our friend, and Turkey’s enemy is also Pakistan’s,” he added.

The Prime Minister appreciated Turkey for supporting the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir fighting for their right to self-determination promised under the UN resolution.

He was also appreciative of Turkey for raising voice for Rohingya Muslims and Palestinians.

Prime Minister also appreciated Turkey’s strong support for Pakistan’s NSG membership.

About the situation in Afghanistan, he said, Turkey has always played a very constructive role in facilitating peace through better relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged Turkey’s role in finding a political situation to the conflict in Syria as well as for graciously hosting millions of refugees.

The Prime Minister appreciated Turkey’s leadership in uniting the Muslim Ummah, as the Chair of the OIC.

Binali Yildirim said Pakistan and Turkey have always supported each other in the hour of need.—INP