Staff Reporter
Islamabad
Pakistan on Wednesday expressed strong concerns over the sanctions imposed by the United States on Turkey.
The Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement it opposed imposition of unilateral, coercive measure against any country in principle.
“The solution to all issues lies in dialogue, diplomacy and mutual understanding,” said the FO. “Pakistan acknowledges and appreciates Turkey’s invaluable role towards regional and international peace and stability.”
Reiterating “strong support” for the government and people of Turkey “in their quest for national security, peace and prosperity”, the FO said Pakistan, as always, “will continue to stand by them towards the achievement of these shared goals”.
The US slapped sanctions on NATO member Turkey’s Defence Industry Directorate (SSB), its chief Ismail Demir, and three other employees on Monday over its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defence systems.
Washington maintained that the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO’s broader defence systems. Turkey rejected the assertion and said the S-400s will not be integrated into NATO.
