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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a dialogue to discuss the Kashmir issue, saying Pakistan and India must settle the dispute "once and for all", Radio Pakistan reported Sunday.
Erdogan's statement comes as the president begins a two-day visit to India. The president is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, India Today reported.
The Turkish premier will hold talks with Modi on key bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
He urged both the countries to settle the dispute via negotiations, said the Turkish president in an interview in Ankara.
He also rejected any similarities between Kurdish rebels and Kashmiris.
To a question about Turkey's move to block New Delhi’s admission to Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), he said Ankara has always been supportive of India’s entry into the group and also that of Pakistan in a similar way.
The two leaders are expected to discuss India's NSG membership bid and methods to further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and trade. Turkey is a member of the NSG.
Tense relations
Tensions simmered between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue since the last months of 2016. Exchanges of fire have been reported sporadically since the new year began.
Following the Uri army base attack in September 2016, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped up a drive to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
In the days following the attack, India claimed to have conducted a cross-border 'surgical strike' against 'launch pads of terror' in Azad Jammu and Kashmir — a claim Pakistan strongly rejected.
Pakistan maintains that India is attempting to divert the world's attention away from 'atrocities' committed by government forces in India-held Kashmir.
The two countries have locked horns over the Kashmir issue after Indian forces stepped up a crackdown against protesters after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by government forces in July.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (81) Closed
Apr 30, 2017 08:18pm
Ask him to settle the issue with Cyrus and the Kurds.
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Apr 30, 2017 08:24pm
How about offer to mediate between the two nations Mr. Erdogan?
Actions always speak louder then words. That would be highly appreciated by both people.
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Apr 30, 2017 08:26pm
Thanks President for raising Kashmir Issue which has been bone of contention between India and Pakistan for ages. India's reluctance and its atrocities in Kashmir are worth condemnation. International community must play its role.
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Apr 30, 2017 08:28pm
Turkiye is a great ally and friend to Pakistan. Their moral stance on Kashmir, as well as support for Pakistan on NSG is very laudable!
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Apr 30, 2017 08:30pm
Great leader.
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Apr 30, 2017 08:32pm
If Kishmir issue is not resolved then it doesn't hurt Pakistan but it hurts like hell to India if not resolved
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Apr 30, 2017 08:35pm
Thats the same statement every third party gives...Nobody dare question India about anything...Its high time Pakistanis realise this...
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Apr 30, 2017 08:36pm
Erdogan will be quiet after he has secured trade for Turkey.
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Apr 30, 2017 08:50pm
Please mind your own business - once and for all.
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Apr 30, 2017 08:57pm
India turkey trade volume 7 billion dollars ! erdogan wishes to take it to 20 billion dollars by 2025 !
that must be entire reserves of small countries ! India welcomes you erdogan sir !
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Apr 30, 2017 09:01pm
He made a statement before the start of the visit, but won't make a statement on in India
So called true friend
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Apr 30, 2017 09:07pm
All India needs to do is respect the will of the people of kashmir. By persecuting them they will not achieve anything. The people of kashmir will die but not be forced into giving up their right to self determination...kashmir zindabad Pakistan zindabad.
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Apr 30, 2017 09:15pm
Welcome to India, sir. Please visit to Pakistan too.
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Apr 30, 2017 09:15pm
Excellent advice.
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Apr 30, 2017 09:27pm
Friendship with Turkey is very important for India..Exciting Visit..
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Apr 30, 2017 09:30pm
I agree. It is important to settle the issue for ever lasting peace between Pakistan and India. People of Kashmir should be given a right to decide whether they want to merge with India, Pakistan or want an independent state.
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Apr 30, 2017 09:31pm
Always support India and Pakistan both , that India does not want. She want herself in NSG but doesn't want Pak in.
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Apr 30, 2017 09:32pm
Nobody can ignore india.
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Apr 30, 2017 09:32pm
Isolation
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Apr 30, 2017 09:40pm
behaving like a true friend
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Apr 30, 2017 09:41pm
Kashmir is not the ISSUE, at all. It is Pakistani ego versus India ego; that is the ISSUE.
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Apr 30, 2017 09:41pm
Whos that buddy.
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Apr 30, 2017 09:44pm
What's Turkey's standing in the new world order? Zilch !
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Apr 30, 2017 09:47pm
I think Turkey is in a good spot to guide India to love thy neighbour policy.
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Apr 30, 2017 10:14pm
Erdogan visiting India after indian vice president Md.ansari visited cyprus.Cyprus and turkey had boarder dispute.
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Apr 30, 2017 10:16pm
Turkey is turning in to a police state, we should not give too much importance to that relationship.
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Apr 30, 2017 10:20pm
Pakistan should be happy to talk ...once it gets the right leadership. Perhaps this is what India doesn't want hence the Jindal visit.
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Apr 30, 2017 10:25pm
As a Indian I don't understand why this meeting held? Since modi and erodgan are extreme hunger for power
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Apr 30, 2017 10:33pm
That's non of his business...... He should think about his own country......
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Apr 30, 2017 10:37pm
I support Mr Erdogan's call to settle Kashmir issue. Both India and Pakistan can not give up what they have. That should be the basis from which to build a peace treaty. Both countries should show maturity and solve this problem.
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Apr 30, 2017 10:40pm
Even president Erdogan is also in support of solving the dispute bilaterally and willing to improve relationship with India overlooking Kashmir issue,
The OIC countries are not interested to take up Kashmir issue at the cost of dismantling relations with India.
But why Pakistan doesn't understand that Kashmir is an integrated part of India and its absolutely impossible to take Kashmir from India due to its economic and defense capabilities because of which no external forces are interested in interfering on Kashmir issue on behalf of Pakistan,
I think that Pakistan should now understand that they're never going to succeed in their intentions of taking Kashmir from India ,and move on to make a better relationship with India rather then sticking to their single point agenda,,,
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Apr 30, 2017 10:56pm
Turkey is in need of support of all including sundries and Erdogan will speak accordingly. India is not going to take him seriously.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:01pm
settle Cyprus issues with Greece once for all...
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Apr 30, 2017 11:07pm
Turkey is truly a FRIEND of Pakistan. Thank you Mr. Erdogan for your just support.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:10pm
Listen to this man learn from him!
Recep Tayyip Erdogan is great leader.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:11pm
But Turkey is all weather friend of Pakistan like China , Let's see what he says in Delhi .
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Apr 30, 2017 11:13pm
Respect his views but Turkey have to settle many disputes in their geographical areas first.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:19pm
First try to keep your house in order and then try to advise others.With a sham democracy,and the recent referendum,he has lost the respect of the world.Nibody cares about him anymore.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:25pm
Tayab Urdugan true leader and friend of Pakistan.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:25pm
Why he is not visiting Pakistan???
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Apr 30, 2017 11:26pm
Even Turkey has sided with India now? What is going on?
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Apr 30, 2017 11:27pm
Why is this man coming to your country..... Cant be just stick to Pakistan......
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Apr 30, 2017 11:33pm
Settlement of kashmir issue will bring prosperity for the people of both India and Pakistan.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:39pm
Erdogan should first settle the Cypress issue with Greece. That will give him more credibility.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:39pm
Turkey showing its true colours and siding with India ?
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Apr 30, 2017 11:45pm
HE should first brings peace &justice and freedom in his country's? ??American forces started patrolling at his border. .
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Apr 30, 2017 11:47pm
INDIA building its relations width Turkey when other world powers have abandoned them will result in a fruitful and warm relationship.
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Apr 30, 2017 11:49pm
India is the first foreign country he has visited post the referendum.
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May 01, 2017 12:29am
Mr. Erdogan you are our guest, so with all due respect I have to say this to you MYOB. You have enough problems of your own to worry about to be commenting and suggesting solutions to ours. We om India are perfectly capable of handling ours in our own way and our own time.
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May 01, 2017 12:55am
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a dialogue to discuss the Kashmir issue, saying Pakistan and India must settle the dispute "once and for all",
Resolution of Kashmir-statements First by OIC , than Iran, now Turkey. The ball has begun to roll and momentum is gathering. Modi is in for an earful from straight, tough talking PM Erdogan.
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May 01, 2017 01:12am
Indians at large and Mr Modi and his Gov't in particular, unfortunately have lost it. They are so self consumed by their dreams of grandeur that clearly the nation at large seems to have lost it's touch and grip to reality. The fact the Mr Modi and his allies are hell bent on changing and altering historical facts cause they don't like certain parts of it and others have to correspond to their religious legends. Such state of mind cannot be expected to make rational and states men like decisions. Therefore no hope for the region regretfully....
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May 01, 2017 01:14am
What others couldn't do, Modi will.
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May 01, 2017 01:27am
A sensible call
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May 01, 2017 01:42am
Good move by Turkey. Somebody come to rescue of state terrorism on Kashmiris.
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May 01, 2017 01:54am
Can he settle injustices to Kurdish people once and for all?
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May 01, 2017 04:15am
This can only be applauded. The first step to change is awareness.
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May 01, 2017 04:42am
The world is saying to the two countries to grow up, solve their own issues, and move on. We can't solve your own problems for 70 years, what will the rest of the world think?
Shame on us!
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May 01, 2017 05:19am
Turkey will not be able to gain acceptance in europe without help from India.
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May 01, 2017 05:23am
don't try to please Pakistan also while you are on visit to India.....if you want business with india ..you are welcome.
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May 01, 2017 05:47am
Turkey should settle the Albanian issue first.
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May 01, 2017 06:02am
Why is he visiting India
He is a friend of Pakistan
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May 01, 2017 06:14am
As a Kashmiri, I salute to president Erdogan for not mincing words
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May 01, 2017 06:49am
Modi means business and only interest he has is "Nation's Interest".President Erdogan will soon find out and mend!
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May 01, 2017 06:55am
Turkey is a good friend of Pakistan but things are going to change soon and Turkey will take impartial view.
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May 01, 2017 06:56am
I thought he was providing unconditional support to Pakistan....
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May 01, 2017 07:01am
Loc as international border is only peaceful solution. If atmosphere become calm visa free trasnit between two kashmir next step.
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May 01, 2017 07:15am
Super giant like india will only talk to small economies like turkey to strenghen its NSG bid...nothing else...period
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May 01, 2017 07:16am
misinterpreting statements can give short term happiness but facts are facts...
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May 01, 2017 07:22am
Though being a Pakistani, I am in not of favor to give whole Kashmir to be given to Pakistan. But Kashmiries are clearly not happy with Indians either. Right solution is to give Kashmir to Kashmiries, including the parts come in Pakistan and India.
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May 01, 2017 07:35am
This is the power of India -- erodgran will never mention the 'K' word when he is in India -- that is guaranteed.
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May 01, 2017 07:39am
First he needs to learn democracy from both India and Pakistan and then implement it in Turkey
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May 01, 2017 07:49am
erdogan who?
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May 01, 2017 07:50am
He is a failure. Look very Turkey is standing due to his failed policies. Tourism completely destroyed due to terrorism.
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May 01, 2017 08:00am
@Ash20 Again, don't care and your tactics don't work. They do the opposite actually.
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May 01, 2017 08:00am
@saber
well he is not
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May 01, 2017 08:01am
@saber
no unconditional support
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May 01, 2017 08:11am
right, we will listen to a dictator now !!
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May 01, 2017 08:15am
India will come to senses one day. Soon.
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May 01, 2017 09:11am
Read the newspaper on Tuesday, and hear how he changes his tune....!!!!!
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May 02, 2017 04:45pm
Indian leadership is really working hard to divide india. India is much diverse country,, how the current leadership is runing the country will certainly divide it even more. They must be carefull with there decisions and not be so anti muslim.
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May 03, 2017 10:58am
Turkey is going towards India and Pakistan is going towards Russia..Turkey is the part of NATO and Pakistan is China Russia alliance ..I think we Pakistanis are going towards Positive direction..
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