Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday in Istanbul weeks after heightened India-Pakistan tensions, pledging to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, trade, and counter-terrorism. Sharif expressed gratitude for Erdogan’s “resolute support” during the recent conflict.
The meeting took place in Istanbul, where the two leaders discussed enhancing their multifaceted partnership, particularly focusing on trade, investment, energy, transportation, and defence sectors. Shehbaz Sharif described Erdogan as his “dear brother” and thanked him for backing Pakistan against India.
On the social media platform X, Sharif posted: “Had the honour of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan India standoff.”
He added, “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.”
According to a statement from Erdogan’s office, the Turkish President pointed to the importance of closer collaboration between the two nations in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism 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,” the statement said.
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The meeting occurred amid strained India-Turkey relations, as Ankara has voiced support for Islamabad. New Delhi has expressed concern after discovering that Pakistan utilised Turkish-made drones during recent clashes, though Turkish officials denied sending weapons to Pakistan.
Responding to Sharif’s post, Erdogan stated: “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.”
Following delegation-level talks, Sharif’s office released a statement confirming his “heartfelt gratitude” to Turkey for its support during the worst India-Pakistan conflict in decades.
Turkey’s Directorate of Communications also released a statement noting Erdogan’s goal of advancing bilateral relations to achieve a $5 billion trade volume. The statement emphasised boosting cooperation in energy, transportation, and defence, along with enhancing the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad railway and bilateral education initiatives.
Erdogan has been vocal in supporting Pakistan since the escalation of the conflict, which followed a terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22 killing 27 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. India accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists, which Pakistan denied.
In retaliation, India launched military operations at multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in a four-day conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Turkey called for an international investigation into the attack, backing Pakistan’s request. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10.
Erdogan was accompanied by senior officials including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yaar Gler, National Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kaln, and other military leaders.
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