ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed heartfelt gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his unwavering support and solidarity with Pakistan, as relations between the two brotherly nations continue to strengthen on multiple fronts.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Prime Minister wrote:
“I was profoundly touched by my dear brother, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for his strong expression of support and unwavering solidarity with Pakistan. Pakistan is proud of its long-standing, time-tested, and abiding fraternal ties with Turkiye that have grown stronger with each new challenge.”
He also commended President Erdogan’s constructive efforts in promoting peace in South Asia and expressed hope that Pakistan-Turkiye ties would continue to deepen as both nations work together for a prosperous future.
Earlier, while addressing a cabinet meeting in Ankara, President Erdogan reiterated Turkiye’s firm support for Pakistan and expressed satisfaction over the recent ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India, calling it a “positive step towards regional stability.”
> “While openly declaring our support for the brotherly people of Pakistan, we also made intense efforts to de-escalate the tension, which had risen to very dangerous levels,” Erdogan said, as reported by Turkish media.
He also referred to a recent telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which both leaders discussed regional developments and bilateral cooperation.
Judicial ties reinforced
In a separate development, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu met Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi at the Supreme Court in Islamabad. The Chief Justice thanked the Turkish judiciary for their warm hospitality during his recent visit to Turkiye for the 63rd anniversary of the country’s Constitutional Court.
Justice Afridi emphasized the strong and historic ties between the two judiciaries and underscored the importance of continued collaboration, particularly in judicial education, digitization of court systems, and the application of Artificial Intelligence. He also proposed expanding cooperation to the district judiciary level to benefit a broader spectrum of Pakistan’s judicial framework.
Turkiye congratulates Pakistan on victory
Ambassador Neziroglu also called on Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and extended congratulations on Pakistan’s “brilliant victory” against India. The minister credited the success to the valor of Pakistan’s armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force, and thanked Turkiye for its consistent support.
Minister Aleem Khan noted that Pakistan had shown “courage and responsibility” in the face of Indian aggression and expressed his confidence in the enduring brotherhood between the people of Pakistan and Turkiye.
Kazan Forum & trade connectivity
During their meeting, Ambassador Neziroglu and Minister Khan also discussed preparations for the upcoming Kazan Forum, set to be held this week. Delegations from various regional countries, including Pakistan and Turkiye, are expected to participate.
Minister Khan emphasized Pakistan’s focus on enhancing regional connectivity and trade, particularly land access to Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.
“Pakistan will offer trade corridors to other countries during the Kazan Forum,” he said, highlighting existing routes to China, Afghanistan, and Iran, and proposing further collaboration on rail, road, maritime, and air transport.
The Turkish envoy praised Pakistan as a promising destination for investment and said participation in the Kazan Forum would positively impact the region’s economic prospects.
