Islamabad (Staff Report/Agencies): Prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan on Tuesday said Pakistan was praying for Turkey's success in dealing with economic challenges.
In his message on twitter, the PTI chief said “On behalf of the people of Pakistan & myself, I want to let President Erdogan and the people of Turkey know we are praying for their success in dealing with the severe economic challenges confronting them, as they have always succeeded against adversities in their glorious history,”.
Relations between the two NATO allies have plummeted in one of their worst crises in decades amid the detention of US pastor Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges, sending the Turkish lira into free fall against the dollar.
Last Friday, President Donald Trump tweeted that the tariff on aluminum imports would be increased to 20 per cent and the tariff on steel imports would be raised to 50pc as the Turkish Lira “slides rapidly downward against our very strong Dollar!”
Trump had also declared that “Our relations with Turkey are not good at this time!”
President Erdogan said that the crash of the Turkish lira was a “political plot” against Turkey and warned Ankara would now seek new markets and partners.
On Monday, Foreign Office had also announced the country's support for Turkey and had insisted on dialogue with the US in order to maintain peace and stability.
Terming Turkey a "vital member and engine of the global economy", the FO spokesman said Pakistan greatly appreciates Ankara's role towards regional and international peace and stability.
"The people and the Government of Pakistan reiterate their strong support for the Government and the people of Turkey in their quest for peace and prosperity".
The Foreign Office statement added that Islamabad will continue to stand by the people of Turkey as always.