Pakistan expresses solidarity with Turkey over US sanctions

Pakistan today expressed solidarity with Turkey in its current spat with the US over Ankara's refusal to extradite a US preacher imprisoned in the country.

Turkey's dispute with the US has centered on the continued detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who is on trial for espionage and terror-related charges.

The US has responded by slapping financial sanctions on two ministers and later doubled steel and aluminum tariffs on Turkey, driving the concerns over Turkey's economy which are rattling international financial markets.

Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that Pakistan, in principle is opposed to imposition of unilateral sanctions against any country.

The FO said Pakistan acknowledges and greatly appreciates Turkey's invaluable role towards regional and international peace and stability. It said that Turkey was a vital member and engine of the global economy.

"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, and as always, will continue to stand by them towards the achievement of these shared goals," said the FO.

It said solution to any and all issues should lies in dialogue, mutual understanding and goodwill and any steps or actions to the contrary only undermine the peace and stability and make the solution to a problem more difficult and intractable.