Erdogan Affirms Backing for Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Ankara on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced his support for Pakistan’s endeavors to eliminate terrorism within its borders.

PM Shehbaz, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, commenced a two-day official visit to the Turkish capital earlier in the day.

The delegation accompanying the Prime Minister includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

“We extend a warm welcome to Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival in Türkiye. These interactions signify a robust friendship,” stated President Erdogan during a joint press conference with PM Shehbaz after their individual meeting.

President Erdogan asserted that Pakistan is resolute in its mission to eradicate terrorism and conveyed his support for Islamabad’s strategies to combat militancy.

He also emphasized the alignment of views between the two nations on various global matters.

PM Shehbaz, during his address, expressed gratitude to the Turkish President for the cordial reception.

The Prime Minister remarked that Turkey has witnessed remarkable development under President Erdogan’s leadership.

“I am thankful for Türkiye’s collaboration in countering terrorism,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that both countries have reached a consensus to collaborate in the mining, IT, and other sectors.

Prior to the joint press briefing, Pakistan and Türkiye conveyed their satisfaction with the encouraging progression of their multifaceted bilateral relations. They also reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing their strategic partnership, with the aim of promoting peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region.

The discussions encompassed bilateral relations and cooperation between PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan.

The meeting highlighted the deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye, reinforcing their commitment to bolstering bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.

PM Shehbaz underscored the significance of boosting economic cooperation, especially through collaborative ventures and investments.

He noted the prospective cooperation in energy and mining, joint projects in defense and agricultural production, enhancements to regional and bilateral connectivity to stimulate trade and people-to-people interactions, along with deepened cooperation in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

During the discussions, both leaders acknowledged the progress made on the resolutions of the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), which took place in Islamabad on February 13, 2025.

Both leaders expressed contentment with the advancements in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan also exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed their mutual support on matters of national importance.

Both leaders articulated their dedication to further strengthening the strategic alliance between Pakistan and Türkiye, to bolster peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region.

President Erdogan also hosted a formal dinner in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his accompanying delegation.