Turkiye Affirms Support for Pakistan in Countering Terrorism and…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have committed to strengthen Pakistan-Turkiye strategic cooperation, focusing on economic collaboration, defense, and counter-terrorism efforts. They discussed the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, reinforcing their united stance against violence while exploring future partnerships with Azerbaijan and China in various sectors.

On a recent visit to Ankara, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye. During a joint press briefing, they discussed the progress made during the 7th Pakistan-Turkiye high level strategic council meeting and agreed to intensify collaboration in sectors such as energy, information technology, infrastructure, and minerals, with the aim of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion.

The Prime Minister emphasized that defense and security cooperation is essential for their partnership. He expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s consistent backing of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in light of recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan. Highlighting the need for a united front against terrorism to secure peace both in Pakistan and globally, he stated that their cooperative efforts are crucial in addressing these pressing issues.

During their discussions, the two leaders also addressed pressing regional and global concerns, including the escalating situation in the Middle East. They condemned the violence against Palestinians, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, while calling for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem as its capital.

Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged the geopolitical landscape’s shifts, attributing significance to the relationships formed during such transitions. He commended President Erdogan for his leadership qualities and the transformative progress achieved in Turkiye. He also expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian assistance extended by Turkiye during Pakistan’s past disasters, reinforcing their mutual commitment to solidarity in various global challenges.

Furthermore, President Erdogan emphasized the cooperative frameworks established between the two nations. He expressed condolences regarding the loss of lives in Pakistan due to terrorism and confirmed Turkiye’s unwavering support against terrorist activities. He highlighted the importance of the signed agreements covering diverse fields such as energy and defense.

Both leaders expressed optimism regarding future cooperation not only bilaterally but also with nations like Azerbaijan, focusing on various development projects. Prime Minister Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s growing ties with China, particularly in space technology, signaling a broader initiative to expand international partnerships.

The bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underline a strong commitment to enhance diplomatic ties, boost economic cooperation, and address mutual security concerns, particularly against terrorism. Their focus on collaboration in energy, infrastructure, and humanitarian issues reflects solidarity between the two nations and a proactive approach to regional stability. Moreover, the ongoing dialogues concerning Palestine and other partnerships illustrate a comprehensive strategy to foster a peaceful environment and robust international relations.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk