New York, September 25, 2024 – Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations by strengthening cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, defense, and security.
According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was marked by a mutual understanding of the importance of deepening economic and strategic ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. The discussions also touched on global and regional developments, including the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where both leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities.
The two sides reviewed preparations for the upcoming 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), which is expected to take place in Islamabad in the near future. This council serves as a key platform for bilateral cooperation, allowing the two nations to explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors, including energy, trade, and defense.
Focus on Gaza and Kashmir:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to President Erdogan for Turkiye’s consistent support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Turkiye has remained a vocal advocate for the rights of the Kashmiri people and has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law.
The situation in Gaza was a central focus of the leaders’ discussions. Both Shehbaz Sharif and Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced their deep concerns over the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in the region. They emphasized the urgent need for an “alliance of humanity” to intervene and stop Israeli aggression. President Erdogan, in particular, has been a strong critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, and his address to the UN General Assembly centered on the deteriorating situation.
In his powerful speech, Erdogan stated that the values of the United Nations and the Western world were “dying in Gaza” due to the continued conflict. He condemned the military actions in Gaza and criticized Western countries for their support of Israel, saying, “The hopes of humanity to live in a fairer world are dying one by one.”
Strengthening Economic Ties:
The meeting also underscored the importance of economic cooperation. President Erdogan praised Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership, particularly his economic reforms, which he credited with stabilizing Pakistan’s economy. Erdogan’s appreciation reflects the close economic partnership between the two countries, which has grown stronger in recent years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz informed the media that Pakistan’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was in the final stages of approval, having met all of the IMF’s conditions. He expressed gratitude to China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for their financial support, which had played a crucial role in helping Pakistan navigate its economic challenges.
Personal Gestures and Diplomacy:
In a warm personal gesture, President Erdogan extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Shehbaz, who recently celebrated his 73rd birthday. Prime Minister Shehbaz later expressed his appreciation for the Turkish president’s kind words and praised his heartfelt address to the UN General Assembly on the Palestinian crisis.
In a statement posted on his X timeline, Prime Minister Shehbaz called President Erdogan a “dear brother” and a “great friend” of Pakistan. He reiterated his commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing that both nations will continue to support each other on key issues and interests.
As Pakistan and Turkiye continue to bolster their strategic partnership, their close collaboration on economic and security fronts signals a deepening of ties between the two nations, further solidifying their role as key allies on the global stage.
