Breaking News

Türkiye, Pakistan Pledge Stronger Cooperation Amid Shared Stand on Palestine, Regional Issues

Türkiye, Pakistan Pledge Stronger Cooperation Amid Shared Stand on Palestine, Regional Issues

Ankara, April 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: In a joint press conference held in Ankara on Tuesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye praised Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, calling it one of the countries that reacted “most strongly” to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“I would like to once again express that we have always appreciated Pakistan’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue. Pakistan is also one of the countries that reacted most strongly to the genocide in Gaza,” Erdoğan stated during the meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Highlighting Islamabad’s consistent advocacy for the Palestinian people at international platforms, including the United Nations, President Erdoğan reaffirmed the two nations’ shared goal of advancing the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. “We will continue to work together toward the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and with territorial integrity,” he said.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

President Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s continued commitment to deepening ties with Pakistan, noting that discussions addressed a broad range of bilateral and global issues, with a particular focus on counter-terrorism. “Türkiye and Pakistan have shown a strong will against terrorist organisations,” he said, while offering condolences for victims of a recent terror attack in Pakistan.

On the economic front, Erdoğan highlighted the implementation of 25 cooperation agreements signed during his visit to Islamabad last year. He expressed strong support for increasing Turkish investment in Pakistan and proposed the creation of a free economic zone for Turkish companies to facilitate trade and industrial collaboration.

The Turkish President also stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in defence, energy, education, and healthcare, stating that reciprocal investments and joint projects remain vital components of the Türkiye-Pakistan partnership.

Calling the bilateral relationship “a vital force for regional peace,” Erdoğan concluded with a hopeful message for closer cooperation in the future.

PM Sharif Condemns Gaza Killings, Reaffirms Support for Palestine

In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Israel’s killing of over 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza, denouncing what he described as brutal and indiscriminate violence. “We have called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people,” Sharif said.

He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering call for the creation of a viable, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem as its capital.

Sharif also emphasized the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism, noting the importance of collaborative responses to evolving security challenges. “We must work together to beat this menace not only in Pakistan and Türkiye but all over the world,” he stated.

Focus on Economic and Strategic Cooperation

The Pakistani premier underlined both nations’ shared commitment to boosting economic ties, particularly through joint ventures in energy, IT, and infrastructure. He expressed optimism that Pakistan and Türkiye would reach their mutually agreed target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion.

“Defence and security cooperation remains a pillar of Pakistan-Türkiye cooperation,” Sharif added, also extending gratitude to Türkiye for its consistent support on the Kashmir issue.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and reiterated Islamabad’s intent to strengthen cooperation with Ankara in multilateral forums.

Both leaders concluded by underscoring their mutual commitment to peace, prosperity, and solidarity in the Islamic world and beyond.