Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Monday, where the two leaders vowed to deepen bilateral cooperation in defense, energy, and education while reaffirming their unified stance on the Palestinian issue.

Following a bilateral meeting, Erdoğan and Sharif addressed a joint press conference, highlighting the strong partnership between Türkiye and Pakistan. “The cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan, without doubt, significantly contributes to peace and stability in our regions,” Erdoğan stated, expressing delight at the near-complete alignment between the two nations on major issues.

Erdoğan outlined plans to enhance ties in military and defense industries through joint projects, building on existing collaborations. He also referenced recent discussions during a visit by Türkiye’s Minister of Energy to Pakistan, emphasizing new initiatives in energy and critical minerals. Additionally, Erdoğan addressed Pakistan’s request for Turkish language lecturers at its universities, signaling educational cooperation as a priority.

The Turkish president praised Pakistan’s resolute support for Palestine, particularly amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed over 51,266 lives since October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. “I would like to reiterate that we always appreciate Pakistan’s determined stance on the Palestinian issue,” Erdoğan said, underscoring the shared commitment to advocating for justice and humanitarian relief in the region.

The summit reflects the deepening strategic partnership between Ankara and Islamabad, with both leaders emphasizing their shared goals of regional stability and economic collaboration. The talks mark another step in the robust Türkiye-Pakistan alliance, rooted in mutual interests and a history of close diplomatic ties. (ILKHA)