ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has responded over the issue of bilateral tensionsbetween Turkey and the United States.

Pakistan came out in support of Turkey, saying the solution to allbilateral issues lies in “dialogue, mutual understanding and goodwill”.

“Pakistan, in principle, is opposed to [the] imposition of unilateralsanctions against any country,” a statement issued by Foreign Office (FO)spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said, in an apparent reference to thesanctions imposed on Turkey by Washington.

The spokesman said actions other than dialogue “only undermine the peaceand stability and make the solution to a problem more difficult andintractable”.

Terming Turkey a “vital member and engine of the global economy”, the FOspokesman said Pakistan greatly appreciates Ankara’s role towards regionaland international peace and stability.

“The people and the Government of Pakistan reiterate their strong supportfor the Government and the people of Turkey in their quest for peace andprosperity,” the statement said, adding that Islamabad will continue tostand by the Turkish people “as always”.

The US slapped sanctions on two Turkish officials earlier this month over adetained American pastor who is being tried on espionage and terror-relatedcharges.

Turkey vowed retaliation “without delay” and warned the move would furtherharm relations between the two allies.