Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Sunday to strengthen collaboration between the two countries, especially in defence, energy, and transportation sectors, as per Erdogan’s office.
Emphasizing the deep historical and religious connection between Turkey and Pakistan, Erdogan stressed the need to enhance solidarity in education, intelligence exchange, and technological assistance to counter terrorism.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and chief of intelligence Ibrahim Kalin were also present in the meeting.
Erdogan had earlier this month openly rallied behind Pakistan at a time of heightened tensions with India after militant attacks on Indian-held Kashmir and subsequent Indian military retaliation. The recent fighting was the most deadly confrontation between the two nuclear powers in more than two decades.
Even though Turkey has cordial relations with India, the support by Erdogan for Pakistan resulted in the boycott of Turkish goods by Indian retailers such as grocery stores and online fashion stores.
The Istanbul meeting indicates that Turkey and Pakistan intend to further strengthen their strategic alliance in the face of regional volatility and realigning geopolitics.
