Just days after tensions flared between India and Pakistan, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul. Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Erdogan for standing by Pakistan against India.
On social media, Pakistan's Prime Minister shared, "I was fortunate to meet my dear brother, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his support to Pakistan during the recent Pakistan-India standoff." He continued, "We reviewed ongoing dialogues regarding our multidimensional bilateral relations, especially in trade and investment. We reiterated our resolve to work together to strengthen these unbreakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Long live Pakistan-Turkey friendship."
Source: aajtak
Purpose of the Meeting?
According to a statement from the Turkish Presidential Office, the meeting aimed to strengthen ties in energy, trade, transportation, and defense sectors. Erdogan emphasized the importance of cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan in areas like intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism. He remarked that both countries should continue working together to ensure regional stability.
The office stated, "Enhancing solidarity in education, intelligence sharing, and technical assistance in the fight against terrorism is in the interest of Turkey and Pakistan."
This meeting between Erdogan and Shehbaz occurred amidst tense relations between Turkey and India. Turkey has consistently supported Islamabad. Ankara faced a strong reaction from New Delhi, which discovered that Pakistani forces used Turkish-made drones during the clashes. However, Turkish officials dismissed these claims, asserting no arms were supplied to Pakistan during the conflict.
'Strengthening Relations...'
In response to Shehbaz Sharif's post, President Erdogan wrote, "We discussed several crucial issues, particularly focusing on the economy, trade, and security. We affirmed our desire to fortify the profound historical, humanitarian, and political ties between Turkey and Pakistan in every sector. As my dear brother Shehbaz mentioned, we have strengthened the unyielding connections, cooperation, solidarity, and brotherhood between our countries and people. I send love to my Pakistani brothers through Sharif Sahib."
Source: aajtak
Following delegation-level talks with Erdogan, a statement from Shehbaz Sharif’s office expressed heartfelt appreciation for Turkish government and people's support during the conflict with India, which was the worst in decades between the two nations.
Aiming for $5 Billion Trade...
After the meeting between the leaders, Turkey's Directorate of Communications released a statement, "During the meeting, President Erdogan stated that Turkey and Pakistan will continue to take steps to enhance their relations and achieve the target of $5 billion in trade."
Source: aajtak
It emphasized, "Stressing efforts to boost collaboration in all sectors such as energy, transport, and defense, President Erdogan noted that reinforcing solidarity between Turkey and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism through training, intelligence sharing, and technical support will serve both nations' interests. He stated that the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad railway line should be made more efficient, and concrete steps in the education sector will contribute to bilateral ties."
Support for Pakistan from Erdogan...
As the conflict with India intensified, Erdogan openly supported Pakistan. The confrontation began on April 22 with the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese citizen. India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, which Pakistan categorically denied.
In response, India launched military operations in nine areas in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir (POK). The situation quickly escalated into a four-day military conflict. It is noteworthy that both countries possess nuclear weapons. Turkey backed Pakistan's call for an international investigation into the attacks.
Accompanying President Erdogan during talks with India-Pakistan were several top officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, National Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, and other senior advisors and military leaders.
