Turkish leader gives Pakistan condolences over plane crash

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday telephoned his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi to offer condolences over Friday's deadly plane crash in Karachi that killed 97 passengers, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported.

Assuring his counterpart that Ankara stands with its longtime ally Islamabad at this trying time, Erdogan expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.

The two leaders, according to PTV, also discussed the coronavirus situation, and vowed to jointly fight the pandemic.

Alvi thanked Erdogan for the medical supplies Turkey sent last month to help Pakistan in its fight against COVID-19.

Through special Turkish Airlines cargo flights, Ankara delivered two shipments of medical aid including tens of thousands of surgical masks and protective suits.

Alvi also praised the Turkish government for taking care of hundreds of Pakistani citizens who were stranded in Turkey due to the suspension of international flights amid the outbreak, the channel reported.

Erdogan also extended his greetings for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr to Pakistanis.