Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has landed in Pakistan for an official tour. He received a warm welcome from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, complete with a guard of honor at the Prime Minister's residence.
Accompanied by his wife and Turkey's First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, several significant issues were addressed in meetings between Erdoğan and Sharif. A total of 24 agreements were signed, highlighting the countries' growing partnership. Discussions also turned to the topic of Kashmir.
In Islamabad, PM Shehbaz Sharif remarked on Turkey's continued support for Pakistan's stance on Kashmir, expressing gratitude for Turkey's consistent advocacy.
Sharif lauded Erdoğan as a crucial and esteemed leader in the Islamic world. He commended Turkey's President for vocally supporting the rights of people in Gaza, Palestine, and Kashmir.
Sharif stated, "When Erdoğan speaks, not only millions in the Islamic world but people globally listen intently." He assured continued backing for Turkey's position on Cyprus.
Meanwhile, Erdoğan expressed affection for Pakistan, calling it a second home. He honored national heroes Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal and reiterated Turkey's stance on Kashmir.
Erdoğan affirmed support for Pakistan's efforts toward resolving the Kashmir dispute. He advocated a resolution aligned with United Nations decisions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Media outlets reported Erdoğan's commitment to solidarity with Kashmir. He also expressed confidence in Pakistan's ongoing support over the Cyprus issue.
In September of the previous year, Erdoğan addressed the UN General Assembly without mentioning Kashmir, a notable exclusion that surprised Pakistan. However, this visit marked a significant shift as Erdoğan vocalized support for the Kashmir issue.
Turkey and Cyprus have an entrenched conflict dating back to 1974 when Turkey invaded Cyprus, seizing control of a third of the island. This action led to a lasting division between Greek and Turkish communities.
The tension persists due to conflicting recognition of Cyprus on the international stage, reflecting unresolved geopolitical issues.
Erdoğan announced significant strides in bolstering Pakistan-Turkey relations, with both sides agreeing on 24 Memorandums of Understanding. Discussions with President Asif Ali Zardari touched on trade expansion, encouraging Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan.
Erdoğan emphasized increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion, alongside cooperation in defense equipment and production.
According to Pakistan's local newspaper Dawn, defense collaboration remains a cornerstone of the Pakistan-Turkey relationship. The 2023 Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report highlighted Turkey as Pakistan's second-largest arms supplier, underscoring this robust defense cooperation.
Recently, Pakistan struck a deal to purchase navy ships from Turkey and conducted joint naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean in January. Turkey continues to strengthen Pakistan's military with T129 ATAK helicopters, MILGEM-class corvettes, and various security apparatus.
