Latest news with #Pakistan-Turkey
News18
26-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets Turkey's Erdogan, Thanks Him For Support During India's Op Sindoor
Last Updated: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Erdogan and thanked him for "resolute support" during India's Operation Sindoor. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday and thanked him for 'resolute support" against the recent military confrontation with India. Setting aside India's 'Operation Dost' from its memory, Turkey had backed Islamabad against New Delhi in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. '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," Sharif wrote on X. '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-Turkey Friendship," he added. Sharif is on a six-day, four-nation tour, weeks after India inflicted heavy damage to Pakistan's terrorist and military infrastructures in a four-day standoff from May 7 to 10 under Operation Sindoor. After Turkey, he will visit Azerbaijan, Iran, and Tajikistan. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : pakistan Shehbaz Sharif turkey Location : Turkey First Published: May 26, 2025, 06:55 IST
India.com
12-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Why Turkey supported Pakistan in conflict with India? Expert exposes Erdogan's 'Ottoman Empire' dreams, says Ankara-Islamabad relations driven by...
(File) India-Pakistan tensions: China and Turkey were the only two countries who openly supported Pakistan in its recent conflict with India, even as the rest of the world, including other Muslim powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and more, adopted a neutral stance and supported India's fight against terrorism. Both China and Turkey supplied advanced weaponry, like drones and missiles to Pakistan, as the enemy nation launched strikes on Indian cities following Operation Sindoor, which was carried out by Indian armed forces in response to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 last month. While China's stance was predictable given its long-standing ties with Islamabad, the support from Turkey came as a surprise to many as Ankara has had good relations with New Delhi in the recent past. Pakistan-Turkey relations driven by Erdogan's caliphate dream? According to experts, the truth behind the newly-revamped Pakistan-Turkey relations lies in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's dream of re-establishing a modern version of the Ottoman Empire, and expanding Ankara's influence in the Islamic world by 'reviving the past glory of Turkey'. Speaking to DD News, Zahack Tanvir, a veteran journalist, activist, and foreign affairs expert, noted that Turkey's new alliance with Islamabad in rooted in the efforts of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to revive the Ottoman Caliphate and assert himself as a leader of a global Islamic empire under him. Tanvir pointed out that Erdogan has set his sights on empowering Pakistan because it is a nuclear-armed nation and a major military power in the Muslim world. 'Pakistan was created on the basis of religion, and Turkey's history is linked to the Ottoman Empire, the last Islamic caliphate. Additionally, Pakistan is also important from a geographical point of view. This is why Erdogan wants Islamabad under Turkey's umbrella,' he said. The expert also highlighted how Pakistan is a key part of the Erdogan's plan to 'conquer' the Muslim world by rebuilding a modern version of the Ottoman Empire, with him at the helm. How Turkey is influencing Pakistan's local culture? He noted that apart from military and financial assistance, Turkey is also making attempts to influence Pakistani culture by importing its own, which includes the release of an Urdu-dubbed version of 'Diriliş: Ertuğrul'– a popular Turkish web series based on the life of Ertuğrul Ghazi, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. As per experts, Erdogan's narrative has found support among Pakistan top military and civilian leadership, hence Ankara is openly standing with Islamabad in the conflict with New Delhi, and often brings up the Kashmir issue, which it has no stake or business in. The Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Caliphate, founded by Osman I in the 13th century, was a major part of the Sunni Islamic caliphate under the Ottoman dynasty in the Ottoman Empire. At its peak, the Ottoman Empire ruled Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and a large part of the Arabian Peninsula from 1517 to 1924. However, the its collapse was triggered during the First World War, after which the Ottoman Caliphate ended, giving birth to modern day Turkey or Türkiye.
Memri
25-03-2025
- Business
- Memri
Columns In Urdu Dailies Discuss Turkey-Pakistan Defense And Trade Relations: 'Pakistan Stood With Turkey On The Cyprus Issue, While Turkey Echoed Pakistan's Stance On The Kashmir Issue'; 'Turkey And Pakistan Are Considered Leaders Of The Muslim Ummah'
Following the visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan on February 12-13, 2025, Pakistani columnists wrote articles in Urdu dailies discussing the importance of the visit in forging military and trade relations between the two Islamic powers. Pakistan is the first Islamic nuclear power state, while Turkey has emerged as a major arms manufacturer. Columnist Mansoor Afaq wrote a piece titled "The Pakistan-Turkey Friendship," Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig authored an article titled "Pakistan-Turkey Defense Cooperation" both in the mass-circulation Urdu-language daily Roznama Jang, while Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami wrote a third column, titled "President Erdoğan's Success" in Roznama Dunya, another Urdu daily. Shami's article was focused on Erdoğan's electoral and political successes against the secular politics of Turkey, while Baig and Afaq focused on the military and trade relations between the two countries. Erdoğan was received at the airport at midnight by President of Pakistan Asif Zardari (left) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (right). "It is believed that the fall of the Assad government in Syria has strengthened Ankara's position in the region. However, the entry of Israeli forces into Syria has also placed Turkey in direct confrontation with Israel. Senior Israeli security officials have also expressed concern over Turkey's increasing interference in Syria," Afaq wrote. Baig argued that the Western sanctions against Pakistan have forced Pakistan to rely on Turkey for a range of military weapons. "This includes the upgrade of F-16 fighter jets worth $75 million, the procurement of fleet tankers for the Pakistan Navy valued at $80 million, and the upgrade of Agosta submarines costing $350 million," he added. Following are excerpts from Afaq's article: [1] "Turkey's Deepening Defense Relations With Pakistan Are A Cause Of Concern For India – Recently, Pakistan Signed An Agreement To Purchase Turkish Naval Ships" "Pakistan-Turkey relations have a long history. The hearts of the people of both nations have been beating for each other for centuries. There exists a golden structure of religion and culture between the two, which is continuously growing stronger. "A few days ago, the Turkish drama 'Ertuğrul Ghazi' gained huge popularity in Pakistan. This drama not only introduced Pakistanis to Turkish history and culture but also further strengthened the social relations between the two countries. The Pakistani people have become more familiar with Turkish culture, civilization, and history, and a new collaboration started between the two nations. Almost every Pakistani leader has made the effort to carry relations with Turkiye to new heights. "Currently, [on February 12-13, 2025,] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is in Islamabad and is finalizing new agreements in the fields of trade, investment, banking, finance, defense, energy, agriculture, IT, health, and education. "His visit to Pakistan is being viewed with deep concern and unease by Delhi and Washington. According to Indian media, Turkey's deepening defense relations with Pakistan are a cause of concern for India. Recently, Pakistan signed an agreement to purchase Turkish naval ships, further enhancing their defense partnership. "In January, the two countries also conducted naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean which shows the growing military cooperation between the two. The U.S. media is also viewing this visit in the same context. It thinks that Washington will closely monitor the ongoing defense production cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye following this visit." "The Turkish Military, Which Is The Largest And Most Powerful In The Middle East, Includes The Turkish Navy As One Of Its Strongest Branches – The Turkish Armed Forces Consist Of 425,000 Active Personnel And 380,000 Reserves" "It is believed that the fall of Assad government in Syria has strengthened Ankara's position in the region. However, the entry of Israeli forces into Syria has also placed Turkey in direct confrontation with Israel. Senior Israeli security officials have also expressed concern over Turkey's increasing interference in Syria. "In fact, the Turkish president had stated in one of his speeches that if this region had not been divided after World War I, cities like Aleppo and Homs would still be part of Turkiye today. His statement became very popular in Turkey: 'With God's help, we will reach Damascus; Jerusalem awaits us.' "His opponents also strongly emphasize that Erdoğan's policies are aimed at restoring the Ottoman Caliphate through strategic control over Syria. In fact, the Turkish military, which is the largest and most powerful in the Middle East, includes the Turkish Navy as one of its strongest branches. The Turkish armed forces consist of 425,000 active personnel and 380,000 reserves. "Therefore, Turkey's growing influence in Syria as a dominant power indicates that in the near future, Turkish and Israeli forces may come face-to-face on the Syrian fronts." "Turkey Always Supported Pakistan On The International Stage, Especially Standing Firmly With Pakistan During Tensions With India And On The Issue Of Kashmir" "If you think over the defense relations between Pakistan and Turkey, it begins with the word 'Urdu.' The word 'Urdu' originates from the Turkish language, meaning army or military. The hearts of the Muslims of the subcontinent were so deeply connected with the Ottoman Caliphate that in the early 20th century, a massive movement emerged in its support, known as the Khilafat [Caliphate] Movement. This movement was dedicated to the Ottoman Caliphate, and slogans like 'Muhammad Ali's mother said: "son, sacrifice your life for the caliphate,"' echoed here. "After Pakistan came into being, the defense relations between Pakistan and Turkiye became extremely strong during the era of President Ayub Khan [as army chief from 1951 to 1958 and as president from 1958 to 1969]. Several agreements were made between the two countries. Joint military exercises were organized, and assistance was provided in each other's military training to further strengthen defense relations. A screenshot from Mansoor Afaq's column "Both countries took several important steps to enhance trade relations. Pakistan increased the supply of agricultural products, especially wheat and rice, to Turkey while Turkey provided industrial machinery to Pakistan. During this period, both the countries made efforts to harmonize their trade policies to boost bilateral trade. "Turkey always supported Pakistan on the international stage, especially standing firmly with Pakistan during tensions with India and on the issue of Kashmir. During Ayub Khan's era, cultural relations between Pakistan and Turkey were also strengthened. The people of both countries respected each other's cultures and traditions and participated in each other's cultural programs. "Turkey sent teachers to educational institutions in Pakistan, and Pakistan provided educational scholarships to Turkish students. Besides this, both countries promoted exchanges in the arts, music, and literature, which continued steadily. It is expected that the current visit of the Turkish president to Pakistan will build a new structure on the old foundations of the relationship between the two countries, marking the beginning of a new era." Following are excerpts from Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig's article: [2] Erdoğan "Also Met With Army Chief General Asim Munir, During Which Discussions Were Held On Defense Relations Between Pakistan And Turkey" "In recent days, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Pakistan on a two-day trip. His regional tour also included visits to Malaysia and Indonesia. Turkey and Pakistan are considered leaders of the Muslim Ummah. Following U.S. President Donald Trump's statement about resettling Gaza's Palestinians in Saudi Arabia, which was rejected by all Islamic countries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to three Islamic nations held great significance. "During his visit to Pakistan, the Turkish president signed 24 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors, including tourism, education, IT, defense, and infrastructure. "On this occasion, both sides agreed to take further steps to increase Pakistan-Turkey trade to $5 billion. Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan jointly chaired the seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. "During his visit, the Turkish President met with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where both leaders agreed to enhance trade, investment, and bilateral relations. He also met with Army Chief General Asim Munir, during which discussions were held on defense relations between Pakistan and Turkey." "Due To Defense Sanctions Imposed By The U.S... Pakistan's Reliance On Turkey For Defense Production Has Been Increasing"; "Pakistan Has Signed Agreements With Turkey For The Purchase Of 30 Military Helicopters And Surveillance Drones Worth $1.5 Billion" "Turkey is set to become one of the world's top 10 economies in the coming years. The country has a population of 85.3 million, while its GDP has grown to $1,344 billion over the past five years, with a per capita income of $15,666. "Turkey's total exports stand at $254 billion, while its imports amount to $363 billion. In Turkey's economy, agriculture contributes 6 percent, manufacturing 40 percent, and services 54 percent. However, rising inflation remains a major challenge, reaching 60 percent. "The trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey stands at $1.4 billion, with Pakistan exporting $440 million to Turkey and Turkey exporting $918 million to Pakistan. This results in a trade surplus in Turkey's favor. "Due to defense sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other Western countries on Pakistan and Turkey, Pakistan's reliance on Turkey for defense production has been increasing over the past several decades. This includes the upgrade of F-16 fighter jets worth $75 million, the procurement of fleet tankers for the Pakistan Navy valued at $80 million, and the upgrade of Agosta submarines costing $350 million. "In addition, Pakistan has signed agreements with Turkey for the purchase of 30 military helicopters and surveillance drones worth $1.5 billion. According to reports, Pakistan has placed defense equipment orders worth a total of $3 billion with Turkey and is set to join Turkey's National Fighter Jet Program (KAAN) soon. For this project, over 200 Pakistani engineers are working alongside Turkish experts, highlighting Pakistan's growing reliance on Turkey for defense equipment and the increasing defense cooperation between the two nations." "Given The Increasing U.S. Intervention In The Region And The Current Tense Geopolitical Situation, Pakistan Must Collaborate With Turkey And Other Islamic Nations To Play An Active Role" "Turkey actively participated in the recent joint Aman exercises of the Pakistan Navy, showing the strong defense cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey. In the global defense market, after the U.S., China, and Russia, Turkey has rapidly emerged as a leading producer of advanced defense technology, with 2,500 Turkish companies playing a key role in this development. "During Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit, the announcement by Turkish companies [that they would] invest in Pakistan's Special Investment Zone is a highly welcome development. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's decision to facilitate visas for Turkish businessmen marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The Turkish government has already been providing visa facilitation to Pakistani businessmen. "In the past, Pakistan's denim fabric exports to Turkey were continuously increasing. However, under pressure from Turkey's domestic denim industry, the Turkish government imposed an additional 18 percent local protection duty on Pakistan's textile exports, raising the total duty to 24 percent. As a result, denim fabric exports to Turkey nearly came to a halt, dealing a major blow to Pakistan's denim industry. "During Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's tenure [2008 to 2012], I held several meetings with my Turkish counterpart as the prime minister's advisor on textiles, striving for a Pakistan-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, due to pressure from Turkey's domestic textile industry, Turkey was unwilling to grant duty-free export access to Pakistan's textile products under the FTA. A screenshot from Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig's article "During the PDM [Pakistan Democratic Movement, anti-Imran Khan] government [2022-23], Federal Minister for Commerce Naveed Qamar signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and Trade in Goods Agreement (TGA) to enhance trade between Pakistan and Turkey. However, due to reservations from Turkey's domestic textile industry, duty-free concessions were not granted for Pakistan's textile and denim exports to Turkey under this agreement. "Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is highly popular among the Muslim Ummah and the Turkish people. He has gradually guided Turks, influenced by the European environment, back toward Islam, and in this movement, the Turkish drama 'Diriliş: Ertuğrul' played a significant role. Given the increasing U.S. intervention in the region and the current tense geopolitical situation, Pakistan must collaborate with Turkey and other Islamic nations to play an active role." Following are excerpts from Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami's article: [3] "Both Nations Have Stood By Each Other In Every Moment Of Trial – Pakistan Stood With Turkey On The Cyprus Issue, While Turkey Echoed Pakistan's Stance On Kashmir Issue" "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan... arrived at Rawalpindi's Nur Khan Airbase around 12 am in his special aircraft. President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, cabinet members, and high-ranking officials were present to welcome him. This was a clear indication that he is an extraordinary guest. "The Turkey-Pakistan friendship has spanned years. Even when Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had not come into power, the hearts of the people of both nations beat as one. During the Khilafat Movement and the trials that Turkey faced afterward, the Muslims of the subcontinent stood passionately by its side. When launched the fundraising campaigns for their brothers in distress, the women even donated their jewelry [to the fighters who were on the side of the fallen Turkish leader]. The Turkish brothers have not forgotten this display of sacrifice and love to this day. "Pakistan is the inheritor of the glory and grandeur of the Muslims of the subcontinent, which is why it shares a special bond with Turkey. According to the highly distinguished Pakistani intellectual Dr. Furqan Hameed, who resides in Turkey, there is a Turkish saying that Turks have no friends but Turks, but all the Turks agree that Pakistan is an exception to this rule. It is a true and tested friend of the Turks. "Both nations have stood by each other in every moment of trial. Pakistan stood with Turkey on the Cyprus issue, while Turkey echoed Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue. When wars were imposed on Pakistan, Turkey went above and beyond to support its brotherly nation. Upon coming into power, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, further deepened this bond and love. He holds a heartfelt love for Pakistan, and in return, he is one of the most beloved figures among the people of Pakistan. A major reason for this is that he has corrected Turkey's ideological direction. He pulled it out from the self-created whirlpool of secularism and firmly reconnected with his lost past." "His Party Succeeded In The Elections, But He Was Arrested For Reciting A Poem That Referred To The Mosque's Minbar And Mihrab [Pulpit] As His Source Of Strength" "When Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived [in Pakistan], his wife was also with him with her head covered. She was wearing a scarf, which is known as the hijab among Turks and adorns the heads of Muslim women... There was a time when it was impossible for a woman to participate in an official ceremony with her head covered. Even the daughters of the Turkish president had to get education at American universities because they were not allowed to wear headscarves in Turkey. "The campaign launched by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk [who founded the Republic of Turkey and abolished the Ottoman caliphate] against conservatism and the interpretation of secularism he imposed made it difficult to openly uphold certain religious values. When Recep Tayyip Erdoğan came to power, he changed the country's direction, and now women there freely choose to wear 'hijab.' Whether it's official ceremonies or educational institutions, no one dares to stop or question them. "President Erdoğan has been in power for the past 22-23 years. Born in the poor family of a coast guard, this poor child, through his hard work and perseverance, has achieved a status that no one else has attained since Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. After Atatürk, he has emerged as the second great leader of Turkey who has elevated his country to new heights. "In Turkey, the army considered itself the guardian of the state and its secular values, and on several occasions, it intervened, turning political leaders and parties into symbol of admonition. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined Necmettin Erbakan's National Welfare Party, but after its ban, he charted his own path. He founded his own party and, in no time, turned it into Turkey's largest and most influential political party. After being elected as the mayor of Istanbul, he transformed the city, providing its residents with amenities they could not have imagined. This achievement alone established his reputation across all of Turkey. A screenshot of Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami's article "His party succeeded in the elections, but he was arrested for reciting a poem that referred to the mosque's minbar and mihrab [pulpit] as his source of strength. This bold act led to his disqualification from participating in the elections, and he also had to endure several months in prison. When his party won the elections and formed the government, the path to his release was cleared. Taking part in a by-election, he became the prime minister, and more than two decades have passed since then but his grip on power has not loosened. "He has secured electoral victories, held referendums, implemented constitutional reforms, and transformed the parliamentary system into a presidential one. First as prime minister and later as president, he continued to lead his country, rather, he still leads it to this day. [He] passed through numerous ups and downs. The economy rose and fell but his resolve has never been broken." "Turkey Established Itself Economically And Today It Is The 17th Largest Economy In The World – It Is Distinguished In Terms Of Defense Production" "After the [July 2016 failed] military coup against Erdoğan, he stepped into the arena, called out to the people through social media. [The people] said 'yes,' attacked the military forces, and for the first time, the rebellious generals were thwarted through the power of the masses. Those responsible faced trials, were dealt with according to the law, and the political body was cleansed. Turkey established itself economically and today it is the 17th-largest economy in the world. It is distinguished in terms of defense production. "The extent of industrial progress can be gauged from the fact that he gifted Turkish-made electric cars to President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The per capita income in Turkiye has now exceeded $11,000. President Erdoğan is also making progress on the foreign front. Though he stands firmly against Israeli aggression, his role in the removal of Bashar Al-Assad's government in Syria is also notable. During the Russia-Ukraine war, he elevated his stature by playing a mediating role. "President Erdoğan has visited Pakistan for the 10th time and has addressed the Pakistani parliament on four occasions. He has also been honored with Pakistan's highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan. The cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in defense and trade sectors is growing day by day. Both the countries are determined for the promotion of bilateral trade. He has had personal relations with both [former] prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, and Shehbaz Sharif is also a favored personality of Turkey. "The way Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has progressed holds a significant lesson for Pakistani politicians, especially Imran Khan. He has transformed the system from within, turning the power of the people into his own strength, and has not recklessly clashed with iron walls [i.e., the Pakistani army] in anger. Imran Khan, who was a major proponent of change and came to power with slogans of eradicating corruption from Pakistan, later... he lost his balance after losing power, and the trial he put his supporters through, have resulted in him being where he should not have been [i.e., in prison]..." [1] (Pakistan), February 14, 2025. [2] (Pakistan), February 24, 2025. [3] (Pakistan), February 16, 2025.
Express Tribune
14-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Turkey set sights on $5b trade
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey on Thursday agreed to deepen their bilateral ties, setting a $5 billion target for bilateral trade as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced President Trump's Gaza takeover plan. Erdogan, leading a high-powered delegation on the last leg of his three-nation tour, held a series of meetings in Islamabad. The two sides held formal talks at the Prime Minister House and Erdogan and Shehbaz co-chaired the High-level Strategic Cooperation Council. They also attended a Pakistan-Turkey Business form. The Turkish President separately also met his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari. During talks, the two sides reviewed bilateral ties particularly trade relationship, defense cooperation and discussed key regional and international issues. "With Mr Prime Minister, we agree to increase our efforts to reach the target of $5 billion in trade volume," the Turkish President said during a joint news conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz. Erdogan underscored the importance of private-sector collaboration, encouraging Turkish investors to expand their activities in Pakistan. "(Through Türkiye-Pakistan Business Forum) We encourage our investors, who are the driving engine of economic cooperation, to engage in more activities in Pakistan," he said. As part of the high-level talks, 24 agreements were signed to strengthen cooperation in various sectors. Erdogan expressed gratitude for Pakistan's strong support in Türkiye's fight against terrorism. "We reiterate our support for Pakistan in its fight against terror in all its kinds and forms. We feel Pakistan's strong support in our fight against all forms of terrorism, including PKK, YPG, DAESH, and FETO." Erdogan described Türkiye and Pakistan as two great countries tied by unshakable bonds, emphasising the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations. The Turkish president also acknowledged Pakistan's continued support for the rights of Turkish Cypriots, calling it highly meaningful. Erdogan also reiterated Türkiye's firm stance on Palestine, saying that they will continue to fight with patience for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. "We believe that we need to strengthen our resolute stance in a period when there are unlawful and unethical proposals to uproot our Gazan brothers and sisters from their homeland," he added. "Gaza belongs to our Gazan brothers and sisters and will remain so forever," he said in a televised speech at a business forum in the capital, Islamabad. Erdogan arrived on a two-day visit on Wednesday night. "The homeland for which the Palestinians have sacrificed tens of thousands of their children is not up for bargaining," he added. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Türkiye's economic progress and its leadership in advocating for Muslim nations. He said Türkiye is currently one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and that the country has always stood up for the rights of Muslim nations, especially the oppressed. He added that the Muslim world listens to Türkiye closely and attentively. Sharif further emphasised the unique bond between the two nations, calling it an unparalleled relationship based on shared history and values. Meanwhile, a joint statement issued after the talks described the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey as 'Two Souls, One Heart' as the foundation of bilateral relations between the two countries. The HLSCC is the main political forum that guides bilateral relations in all fields. According to the joint statement, the Joint Working Groups of the HLSCC will be named as "Joint Standing Committees" (JSC) henceforth to better reflect their permanent nature. Three new JSCs, namely "Security, Defence, and Intelligence JSC", "Health JSC" and "Science and Technology JSC", have been established under the HLSCC mechanism. The two sides underscore the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiris. In this regard, Pakistan expresses its deep appreciation for Türkiye's principled stance on the issue. The two countries reiterate full and resolute support for the efforts towards the just, lasting, and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus issue. Pakistan reaffirms its support to the Turkish Cypriots and to Türkiye in this regard. Türkiye expresses its deep appreciation for Pakistan's principled stance on the issue. Both countries reiterate their support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and for advancement of international efforts aimed at building a more sustainable future for the Afghan people through continued, coordinated and coherent engagement with the interim Afghan authorities including on countering terrorism. In this regard, they underlined the importance of inclusive governance, and respect for fundamental rights, particularly of girls and women in Afghanistan. The two sides also stressed the need for sustaining humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. They further underscored that Afghanistan should not become a safe haven for terrorist groups. All necessary measures to counter terrorism need to be taken by interim Afghan authorities including against TTP and DAESH, which remain listed under the 1267 UNSC sanctions regime. Both sides underscore the need for strengthening multilateralism, including through universal and consistent adherence to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter to address the existing and emerging international challenges, in an effective and credible manner. The two sides emphasized that the United Nations Security Council needs to be made more representative, democratic, transparent, and accountable through a comprehensive United Nations Security Council reform process, based on widest possible consensus. In addition, they underlined the need for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions to resolve the long-standing disputes on the agenda of the Security Council, especially those pertaining to the Muslim Ummah. The two sides expressed their grave concern at the unprecedented loss of lives and property as well as displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians as a result of indiscriminate use of force by Israel. Welcoming the Gaza ceasefire, they expressed hope that the truce would lead to a permanent and durable ceasefire. They urged the need for scaling up of humanitarian assistance, including through continued and unobstructed operation of UNRWA, return of all displaced Palestinians to their homes, as well as concerted international efforts for the early reconstruction of Gaza. They underscored that any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land as well as to continue illegal settlements constitute blatant violation of international law. Both sides urged the need to find a just and comprehensive solution for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
