TIANJIN, Sunday, August 31, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening Pakistan–Turkiye relations and strengthening cooperation on regional and global issues, with particular focus on Palestine.

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, China, where they expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in ties between the two brotherly nations. They welcomed the steady expansion of high-level exchanges and collaboration in political, economic, defence, and security domains.

President Erdogan extended heartfelt condolences over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by devastating floods across Pakistan. He assured Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Turkiye’s unwavering solidarity, emphasizing that his country stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of Pakistan in this time of need.

The two leaders also reviewed key regional and international developments, voicing grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression and what they termed genocidal policies against Palestinians. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to leverage international platforms to defend the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

The meeting, according to both sides, reaffirmed the deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Turkiye and their shared determination to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Muslim world and beyond.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Shehbaz described his interaction with President Erdogan as “very warm and most productive,” noting that both sides had reviewed bilateral ties, exchanged views on regional and global issues, and reiterated unity for Palestine. He added that he conveyed gratitude to the Turkish leader for expressing solidarity with Pakistan in the wake of the catastrophic floods.