ASTANA, SEPT 10 (DNA) – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with President Mamnoon Hussain in Astana, on the sidelines of the first OIC Summit on Science and Technology and expressed satisfaction over historic and time-tested relations between Pakistan and Turkey.

During the meeting, the abiding strength and closeness of Pakistan-Turkey relations was re-emphasized and the determination to transform these cordial ties into a robust, multi-dimensional partnership was reaffirmed.

President Mamnoon Hussain thanked the Government of Turkey for its consistent support for the Kashmir cause and reiterated Pakistan’s support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue. The two Presidents also exchanged views on regional issues, including Afghanistan and the situation of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. The leaders reiterated the strong mutual support and solidarity in the face of terrorist threat posed to the two countries and reiterated their resolve to defeat the scourge of terrorism through resolute action.

The President highlighted, Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability, including support for the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. President Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s readiness to continue to help reinforce the process of peace and development in Afghanistan.

The Turkish President appreciated Pakistan for whole-heartedly supporting the first OIC Summit on Science and Technology in Astana and hoped that the Summit would be an important milestone in promoting science and technology in the Muslim Ummah. He praised Pakistan’s key contributions as the Chair of the COMSTECH.