Terrorism
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed Turkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, as both nations signed multiple agreements aimed at strengthening their bilateral relations.
Speaking at a joint press conference following a high-level agreements-signing ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday, Erdogan emphasized the commitment to deepening cooperation between Turkiye and Pakistan.
“In the seventh session of our council, which we just concluded, we have agreed to further strengthen our relations,” Erdogan stated.
The Turkish president arrived in Islamabad in the early hours of Thursday, where he was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari in Rawalpindi. Upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House, Erdogan was accorded a ceremonial welcome. A smartly turned-out military contingent presented a guard of honor, while the national anthems of both nations were played. Following the ceremony, he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, cabinet members, and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.
Highlighting the outcomes of his visit, Erdogan announced that both sides had signed 24 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering a wide array of sectors including trade, agriculture, energy, water resources, education, banking, defense, science, culture, and health.
“Before the council meeting, my brother Shehbaz Sharif and I extensively discussed our bilateral relations, as well as regional and global developments,” Erdogan added.
He stressed that the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) was the “highest-level mechanism to institutionalize the centuries-old friendship” between Turkiye and Pakistan. Both sides agreed to intensify economic cooperation, aiming to achieve a bilateral trade volume of $5 billion. Additionally, they discussed expanding the scope of the Goods Trade Agreement as a first step.
Erdogan encouraged Turkish investors to play a greater role in Pakistan’s economic development by launching flagship projects. He also acknowledged the growth of military dialogue and defense cooperation between the two nations, which had contributed to enhancing trade and investment relations. The leaders agreed to collaborate on defense procurement and joint manufacturing projects.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz for being the first leader to visit Turkiye after the devastating earthquake, Erdogan commended Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability. He assured that Turkiye would extend its “unconditional support” to Pakistan in this regard.
Erdogan also reaffirmed Turkiye’s support for the Kashmiri people, advocating for a resolution to the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Additionally, he expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support for the Northern Cyprus cause.
Highlighting joint efforts at the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Erdogan reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
During the press conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed Erdogan’s sentiments and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Turkiye. He stated that both sides had signed various agreements, including a special economic zone to be built by a Turkish firm.
“I assure you that I will work closely with you, and our teams will work together to transform these MoUs into concrete actions,” Shehbaz said.
Welcoming Erdogan’s visit after five years, Shehbaz emphasized that the relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye was not merely a product of recent history but was deeply rooted in centuries-old bonds. He recalled the overwhelming support extended by the Muslims of the subcontinent to Turkiye during its independence movement, which was reciprocated by Turkiye with equal generosity.
He also praised Turkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan during times of crisis, recalling Erdogan’s visit to flood-hit areas in Pakistan in 2010, during which Turkiye contributed to rebuilding homes and schools.
Shehbaz lauded Erdogan as a highly respected leader of the Muslim world for his strong stance on critical issues such as Gaza, Palestine, and Kashmir. “Turkiye has always stood by Pakistan for the just cause of Kashmir. You have always maintained your stance loud and clear,” he said.
The prime minister also thanked Erdogan for acknowledging the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s people and armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
“Together, we will fight this menace and will not rest until we defeat it,” he asserted, urging the Afghan government to play its role in eradicating terrorism from the region.
