PM Imran, Erdogan vow to jointly address COVID-19 pandemic

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday had a telephonic call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed a range of bilateral issues.

PM Imran Khan briefed the Turkish President on the steps taken to control the spread of Coronavirus in Pakistan. Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation to jointly address the COVID-19 pandemic.

He thanked President Erdogan for providing valuable medical equipment to Pakistan which was reflective of historic linkages between the two countries to help each other in times of need.

The prime minister, while discussing the long term economic repercussions of COVID-19, said that a comprehensive coordinated plan of action on debt relief and restructuring was needed to stave off socio-economic turbulence.

PM Imran Khan highlighted his call for ‘Global Initiative on Debt Relief’ for developing countries aimed at helping them cope with the challenges faced by the adverse situation amid the pandemic.

He briefed President Erdogan on the worsening human rights situation in Occupied Kashmir, accentuated by double lockdown and intensified military crackdown. He also shared Pakistan’s concerns on India’s moves to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory, while the world was preoccupied with fighting the pandemic.

The prime minister also apprised him of the demonization of Muslims in India in the context of COVID-19 which should be shunned and opposed by the international community.

The two leaders exchanged greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. President Erdogan offered condolences on the tragic airplane crash in Karachi and reiterated the Turkish nation’s strong support to its Pakistani brethren in this difficult time.