Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed unwavering support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to standing by its long-time ally. The declaration came during a meeting between Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Developing-8 (D-8) summit held in Cairo, Egypt.
Turkiye Stands with Pakistan Against Terrorism
In a statement released by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan conveyed Türkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan against terror threats, emphasizing that Ankara remains steadfast in supporting Pakistan’s peace and security.
“President Erdogan stated that Türkiye stands by Pakistan against terrorist actions that threaten peace and security,” the statement read.
This show of support comes at a time when Pakistan continues to grapple with cross-border terrorism and internal security challenges. Erdogan’s remarks signal Türkiye’s intention to deepen strategic cooperation with Pakistan in defense and counter-terrorism efforts.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Economic Cooperation
Apart from security matters, Erdogan lauded Pakistan’s economic recovery, describing it as a positive development for regional stability. He emphasized the importance of strengthening political and economic ties between the two nations.
“Ankara welcomes the recovery of the Pakistani economy, and that efforts will continue to enhance political and economic cooperation between the two countries,” Erdogan stated.
During their meeting, both leaders discussed enhancing collaboration in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and green energy. Erdogan and Sharif acknowledged the need to work closely in these fields to reach the bilateral trade target of $5 billion.
Prime Minister Sharif later shared his thoughts on the meeting in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the “historic and fraternal bond” between the two countries.
Focus on Regional and Global Issues
Beyond bilateral cooperation, Erdogan and Sharif exchanged views on regional and global developments. A significant part of the discussion revolved around the ongoing transformation in Syria following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime earlier this month. Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s continued support for the Syrian people as they navigate this transitional period.
In addition, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine and extended an invitation to Erdogan for the seventh High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad.
D-8 Summit and New Horizons
The D-8 summit, themed **“Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy,”** brought together leaders from member states to discuss economic collaboration and youth engagement. The group, established in 1997 in Istanbul, aims to bolster economic and social ties among its members—Türkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Iran, and Malaysia.
Azerbaijan marked a milestone by officially joining the D-8 during Thursday’s summit, further expanding the bloc’s influence.
Looking Ahead
Erdogan’s reaffirmation of support for Pakistan reflects the growing alignment between the two countries on matters of security, trade, and regional stability. As Islamabad and Ankara continue to build on their historic ties, their collaboration in emerging sectors like IT and green technologies is expected to pave the way for stronger economic engagement.
The meeting between Erdogan and Sharif at the D-8 summit signals a renewed commitment to shared goals, reinforcing the notion that Türkiye and Pakistan’s partnership will remain a cornerstone of regional diplomacy in the years to come.
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