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India Today
26-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Shehbaz Sharif thanks 'dear brother' Erdogan for backing Pak against India
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul, just weeks after tensions rose between Pakistan and India. Shehbaz thanked Erdoan for 'resolute support' against X, Pakistan PM wrote: "Had the honor of meeting my dear brother President Reccep Tayipp Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan India standoff."advertisement"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," he added. According to a statement from the Turkish president's office, the meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries, particularly in the energy, trade, transportation, and defence stressed the importance of deeper cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan in areas like intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism. He said both countries must continue working together 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," his office meeting took place amid strained ties between Turkey and India. Turkey has been supporting Islamabad. Ankara faced backlash from New Delhi, who discovered that Pakistan used Turkey-made drones during the clashes. However, Turkish officials have denied these claims, saying no weapons were sent to Pakistan during the conflict.'WE HAVE STRENGTHENED UNBREAKABLE TIES'advertisementIn response to Sharif's post, President Erdogan wrote: "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." A statement released by Sharif's office after delegation-level talks with Erdogan stated that the PM expressed "heartfelt gratitude" to the government and people of Turkey for its support during the conflict with India, the worst between the two nations in decades.$5 BILLION TRADE GOALAfter the meeting, Turkey's Directorate of Communications issued a statement: "During the meeting, President Erdoan stated that Trkiye and Pakistan would continue to take steps to advance their relations and achieve the goal of a five billion dollar trade volume." "Emphasizing that efforts would be made to enhance cooperation in all areas, particularly in energy, transportation, and defence between the two countries, President Erdoan noted that strengthening solidarity between Turkey and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism through training, intelligence sharing and technological support would serve the interests of both nations, and added that the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad railway line should be made more efficient and that concrete steps in the field of education would contribute to bilateral relations," it BACKS PAKISTANErdogan has been vocal in his support for Pakistan after the conflict with India escalated. The clashes began after armed terrorists attacked tourists in Pahalgam in Kashmir on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. India accused Pakistan of indirectly sheltering the attack, which Pakistan has firmly response, India launched military operations at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). The situation quickly escalated into a four-day military conflict. Notably, both countries possess nuclear weapons. Turkey called for an international investigation into the attack, backing Pakistan's May 10, both sides eventually agreed upon a Erdoan was accompanied during the talks by several top officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defence Yaar Gler, National Intelligence Chief brahim Kaln, and other senior advisors and military leaders.
Al Jazeera
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Trump hails ‘productive' call with Turkiye's Erdogan as visits planned
United States President Donald Trump says he has had a 'very good and productive' telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and they have discussed a wide range of topics, including how to end Russia's war in Ukraine, Syria and Israel's war on Gaza. During the call on Monday, Trump said Erdogan had invited him to visit Turkiye and he had extended an invitation for the Turkish leader to visit Washington, DC. No dates were announced. A readout of the call from the Turkish presidency confirmed Erdogan invited Trump for a visit. The Republican president, who described his relationship with Erdogan as 'excellent' during his first tenure at the White House, said the two countries would cooperate on ending the war in Ukraine. 'I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended – NOW!' Trump said in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform. NATO member Turkiye has sought to maintain good relations with both of its Black Sea neighbours since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has twice hosted talks aimed at ending the war. 'Noting that he supports President Trump's approach toward ending wars, President Erdogan expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted to maintain the negotiation process with Iran and stop the war between Russia and Ukraine,' Turkiye's Directorate of Communications said in a statement posted on X. Erdogan also raised the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, warning that its humanitarian crisis had reached a 'grave level', the directorate said. The Turkish president also stressed the importance of the 'uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid and the urgent end to this tragic situation'. On neighbouring Syria, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiye's commitment to preserving its territorial integrity and restoring lasting stability. He said US efforts to ease sanctions on Syria and its new government would help move that process forward and contribute to regional peace. Regarding bilateral ties, Erdogan said Ankara remained committed to strengthening cooperation with Washington, particularly in the defence sector. Trump is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates next week.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Turkiye denies sending weapons to Pakistan amid rising cross border tensions with India
Turkiye has denied reports that it sent military supplies to Pakistan amid soaring tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack. Claims on social media had suggested that six Turkish C-130E aircraft delivered weapons, sparking alarm in India. However, Turkiye's Directorate of Communications dismissed the reports as "speculative." While no confirmed arms delivery has occurred, Turkiye and Pakistan maintain close defence ties, including drone sales and joint fighter development. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tensions surge after Pahalgam terror attack Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Turkiye and Pakistan: A longstanding defence relationship Naval collaboration and submarine upgrades Missiles, munitions and military innovation Turkey's political support to Pakistan Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Clouds Over South Asia Turkiye has firmly rejected claims that it sent military equipment to Pakistan amid escalating tensions with India. The reports, which emerged on social media and some Indian news platforms, alleged that up to six Turkish C-130E Hercules transport aircraft had landed in Pakistan carrying combat the Turkish government refuted the claim on Monday. 'A cargo plane from Turkiye landed in Pakistan for refuelling. It then continued on its route. Speculative news made outside of statements of authorised persons and institutions should not be relied upon,' said the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, as reported by the Daily aircraft in question was observed flying over the Arabian Sea on 28 April, prompting speculation that the move signalled a last-minute arms delivery from one of Islamabad's closest allies. Flight tracking data from open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources had been used to support the theory. But Ankara insists the landing was denials come at a tense time. India and Pakistan are locked in a deepening crisis following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people. History shows that India has responded militarily to such incidents, notably after the 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama attacks. Fearing a possible repeat, Pakistan's military has reportedly moved equipment into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and activated key air bases at Pensi, Skardu, and regional atmosphere is on edge. It's this context that gave the claims of Turkish arms deliveries particular traction—and prompted sharp reactions online, especially from Indian analysts and geopolitical Turkiye denies any fresh deliveries, it shares a well-documented and deep defence relationship with Pakistan. According to a March 2025 SIPRI report, 10% of Turkiye's total arms exports between 2020 and 2024 went to cooperation includes joint arms production, technology sharing, and a growing list of hardware exchanges. One of the most high-profile sales has been Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones to Pakistan. The Akinci, meaning 'Raider,' is a high-altitude, long-endurance combat drone. Pakistan received its first batch in parallel, the two countries have also worked on the KAAN fifth-generation stealth fighter. Earlier this year, they discussed setting up a joint facility for its production in Pakistan. Talks have even explored co-developing helicopters and advanced air-to-air missile systems, such as the FAZ-2 and Turkey's Gökdoğ collaboration extends into the naval domain. Pakistan has acquired four MILGEM-class corvettes from Turkiye, with the final one, PNS Tariq, delivered in August 2023. Turkiye also modernised Pakistan's ageing Agosta 90B submarines, upgrading sonar, radar, and control largest naval ship, the fleet tanker PNS Moawin, was co-designed by Turkiye's STM and constructed in Karachi. Discussions around co-developing submarines, possibly including nuclear-powered ones, have been platforms, munitions sales have also played a role. In 2023, reports indicated that Pakistan purchased anti-tank guided weapons from Turkish firm Rokestan and Kemankeş AI-powered cruise missiles from Baykar. These are believed to be integrated into Pakistan's drone countries are also exploring deeper missile technology exchange, particularly in the air-to-air segment, aiming to jointly produce short-range and beyond-visual-range weapons, Ankara has offered diplomatic support to Islamabad—especially on Kashmir. After his February 2025 meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan publicly called for a UN-led dialogue to resolve the Kashmir hours after the Pahalgam attack, Shehbaz Sharif thanked Erdoğan for Turkiye's 'unwavering support' on Kashmir, further underlining the closeness of their the Turkish government has denied making a fresh delivery of arms to Pakistan, the speculation has drawn attention to how close the two countries have become in recent China also reportedly arming Pakistan—particularly with the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile—the broader picture suggests a shifting security dynamic in South the meantime, Turkiye's denial puts a pause on the speculation. But the underlying alliances remain.
