Erdogan and Sharif reaffirm Türkiye-Pakistan alliance, highlight shared vision

Türkiye and Pakistan reaffirmed their strategic partnership during a joint press conference in Ankara, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif.

The meeting emphasized bilateral cooperation in defense, economy, and regional diplomacy, as well as mutual support on global platforms.

Speaking at the Presidential Complex, Erdogan praised Pakistan’s “resolute stance” on the Palestinian issue and reiterated Ankara’s ongoing support for Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts.

“We are pleased to act in full alignment with Pakistan on nearly every issue. On this occasion, I would like to once again express our appreciation for Pakistan’s resolute stance on the Palestinian issue,” Erdogan stated.

Strategic dialogue covers defense, investment

Erdogan recalled his visit to Pakistan in February for the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, where the two countries signed 25 agreements across sectors including trade, energy, agriculture, defense, and health.

He said Türkiye is committed to translating those agreements into action.

“We are witnessing the rapid implementation of the decisions taken in Islamabad. We encourage our investors to increase their activities in Pakistan and develop joint projects,” Erdogan said.

“We discussed encouraging mutual investments and allocating special economic zones to our companies in Pakistan. We aim to advance our military and defense industry cooperation through joint projects,” he added.

The leaders also discussed emerging partnerships in energy and critical minerals, as well as support for Turkish language education at Pakistani universities.

Türkiye and Pakistan united against terrorism

Highlighting both countries’ long-standing struggle against terrorism, Erdogan extended condolences for victims of recent attacks in Pakistan and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to support its ally.

“Türkiye and Pakistan are among the countries demonstrating the strongest will in the fight against terrorism. Our support for Pakistan in its struggle against all forms of terrorism remains unwavering,” Erdogan said.

Solidarity with Palestine and regional stability

The leaders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration on international platforms such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, particularly in support of Palestinian rights.

“Pakistan was one of the countries that reacted most strongly to the genocide in Gaza,” Erdogan said.

“Together, we have worked to support the just cause of our Palestinian brothers, and we will continue to do so. We are committed to working toward the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on the 1967 borders,” he added.

Erdogan also noted future cooperation between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan as part of a broader trilateral framework.