Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul, just weeks after tensions rose between Pakistan and India. Shehbaz thanked Erdoan for ‘resolute support’ against India.
On X, Pakistan PM wrote: “Had the honor of meeting my dear brother President Reccep Tayipp Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan India standoff.”
“We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements particularly in trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Long live Pakistan Turkiye Friendship,” he added.
According to a statement from the Turkish president’s office, the meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries, particularly in the energy, trade, transportation, and defence sectors.
Erdogan stressed the importance of deeper cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan in areas like intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism. He said both countries must continue working together to ensure regional stability.
“It is in the interest of Turkey and Pakistan to increase solidarity in education, intelligence sharing and technological support in the fight against terrorism,” his office stated.
The meeting took place amid strained ties between Turkey and India. Turkey has been supporting Islamabad. Ankara faced backlash from New Delhi, who discovered that Pakistan used Turkey-made drones during the clashes. However, Turkish officials have denied these claims, saying no weapons were sent to Pakistan during the conflict.
‘WE HAVE STRENGTHENED UNBREAKABLE TIES’
In response to Sharif’s post, President Erdogan wrote: “We discussed many critical issues with them, especially the economy, trade and security. We confirmed and strengthened our will to strengthen the deep-rooted historical, human and political relations between Turkey and Pakistan in every field. As my dear brother Shehbaz stated, we have further strengthened the unbreakable ties, cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood between our countries and peoples. I convey my most heartfelt love to my Pakistani brothers through Mr. Sharif.”
A statement released by Sharif’s office after delegation-level talks with Erdogan stated that the PM expressed “heartfelt gratitude” to the government and people of Turkey for its support during the conflict with India, the worst between the two nations in decades.
$5 BILLION TRADE GOAL
After the meeting, Turkey’s Directorate of Communications issued a statement: “During the meeting, President Erdoan stated that Trkiye and Pakistan would continue to take steps to advance their relations and achieve the goal of a five billion dollar trade volume.”
“Emphasizing that efforts would be made to enhance cooperation in all areas, particularly in energy, transportation, and defence between the two countries, President Erdoan noted that strengthening solidarity between Turkey and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism through training, intelligence sharing and technological support would serve the interests of both nations, and added that the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad railway line should be made more efficient and that concrete steps in the field of education would contribute to bilateral relations,” it added.
ERDOGAN BACKS PAKISTAN
Erdogan has been vocal in his support for Pakistan after the conflict with India escalated. The clashes began after armed terrorists attacked tourists in Pahalgam in Kashmir on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. India accused Pakistan of indirectly sheltering the attack, which Pakistan has firmly denied.
In response, India launched military operations at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). The situation quickly escalated into a four-day military conflict. Notably, both countries possess nuclear weapons. Turkey called for an international investigation into the attack, backing Pakistan’s request.
On May 10, both sides eventually agreed upon a ceasefire.
President Erdoan was accompanied during the talks by several top officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defence Yaar Gler, National Intelligence Chief brahim Kaln, and other senior advisors and military leaders.