ANKARA: Pakistan and Turkey while voicing concern on the overthrow of a legitimate government of Mansour Hadi on Friday said they were willing to work together for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Yemen.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Turkish counterpart Ahmed Davutoglu addressing a joint press stake out following their meeting were critical of the use of force by non-state actors in Yemen that led to the overthrow of its government.
Prime Minister Sharif termed the situation in Yemen "grave"; he cautioned the crisis might endanger unity of the Muslim Ummah and said it also has implications for the whole region.
The Prime Minister who dashed to Turkey on a day-long visit to discuss the crisis in Yemen said the security situation in the country has been deteriorating.
He recalled his conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a few days back in which they agreed to discuss the Yemen issue. He referred to his talks with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and said both sides were of the view that "the current crisis in Yemen could plunge the region into turmoil."
Prime Minister Sharif said Saudi Arabia is a close friend of Pakistan and Turkey.
"We agreed that we will stand by Saudi Arabia in its hour of need ... [and] agreed to extend all possible support in the defence of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
He said "Pakistan and Turkey have close and brotherly relations with other Islamic countries in the region and attach great importance to their security and territorial integrity."
Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan would stay engaged with Saudi leadership and those of other Muslim countries in the region.
He said exchange of such visits was essential for joint policies on international issues.
The Turkish Prime Minister in his remarks said both the countries hold unanimity of views on the crisis in Yemen. He said Turkey has always supported efforts for peace and tranquillity in Yemen.
The Turkish Prime Minister referred to Turkey's stated position with reference to situation in Yemen and said his country was in contact with both Saudi Arabia and Iran and called for an end to the sectarian strife in the region.
The Turkish Prime Minister said both Pakistan and Turkey were willing to work for peace in the region and stressed for an end to the role of non-state actors.
He mentioned close bilateral ties between the two countries in all spheres and said they have stood together through thick and thin, as has been proven by history.
He said their talks covered bilateral ties and the situation in the region that was passing through a historical phase.
The Turkish Prime Minister said both Pakistan and Turkey hold regular consultations with each other and have voiced their concern over the situation in the region. He said Turkish Foreign Minister would be visiting Pakistan next week to carry forward the process of consultations. He said Turkey viewed positively the outcome of Iran nuclear talks.