Erdogan’s Visit to Strengthen Pakistan-Turkiye Collaboration
President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation. Zardari expressed condolences for Prince Karim Aga Khan’s passing while reaffirming the significance of the Pakistan-Turkiye partnership in addressing global terrorism and improving strategic relations. Erdogan is set to visit Pakistan as part of a regional tour to enhance collaboration.
President Asif Ali Zardari met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a brief stop at Istanbul airport while traveling to Portugal. The leaders discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations and agreed to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation in a subsequent meeting in Islamabad. The press release from the Presidency highlighted their exchange of courtesies.
Upon his arrival in Lisbon, President Zardari expressed condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini following the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan. He conveyed his heartfelt sympathies, stating that Pakistan mourned the loss of a “true friend” and “great philanthropist,” recognizing the Aga Khan’s invaluable contributions to social and economic development in Pakistan.
In a separate development, Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to bolster cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts by focusing on preventing terrorist financing, radicalization, and the misuse of the internet for terrorism. This agreement was reached during the second round of Counter-Terrorism Consultations held in Islamabad, which reflects the ongoing robust collaboration between the two countries despite a six-year interlude in formal discussions.
During the consultations, representatives reviewed the global terrorism landscape and the threats posed by terrorist entities. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sharing best practices and enhancing mutual cooperation in combating terrorism while also recognizing the need for international efforts to address the root causes of such threats.
Pakistan and Turkiye share a strategic partnership characterized by strong trade and defense relations, with counter-terrorism standing as a key element. Previous discussions have covered various areas, including law enforcement and preventing radicalization. Furthermore, joint military exercises under the name “Ataturk” aim to improve counter-terrorism capabilities of both nations, involving special forces and intelligence sharing.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s forthcoming visit to Pakistan underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism measures. The meetings between Presidents Zardari and Erdogan highlight the mutual recognition of shared challenges and the importance of fostering deeper strategic ties. As both nations work together to strengthen their partnership, including through joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing, they reaffirm their position against global terrorism.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
