PM Shehbaz Thanks President Erdogan for Turkiye’s Support Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
ISTANBUL, May 26 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a high-level meeting in Istanbul for Turkiye’s steadfast support during Pakistan’s recent military escalation with India.
The meeting marks the beginning of PM Shehbaz’s four-nation diplomatic tour, which includes visits to Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and appreciating countries that backed Pakistan during the May 6–7 confrontation with India.
A Warm Reception in Istanbul
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz was warmly received upon arrival at Istanbul Airport by Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, and senior Turkish officials, along with Pakistan’s diplomatic corps.
A video shared by state broadcaster PTV News captured a warm embrace between PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan at Dolmabahce Palace, symbolizing the cordial ties between the two nations.
Delegation-Level Talks Highlight Brotherhood
The official meeting included high-profile Pakistani officials such as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
According to PTV News, the talks were described as “warm and most cordial,” reaffirming the “deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties” anchored in shared values and mutual respect.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz wrote:
“I conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters… We also reviewed progress on bilateral trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation.”
Turkiye’s Support During the Crisis
During the recent crisis, when India conducted airstrikes on Pakistani soil, Turkiye was among the first to voice diplomatic support for Islamabad’s “calm and restrained” response. Erdogan’s solidarity message drew appreciation from Pakistani leadership and citizens alike.
Turkish communications head Fahrettin Altun confirmed that discussions covered not only bilateral ties but also “regional and international issues, including the fight against terrorism.”
Broader Diplomatic Engagement
The visit is part of a broader strategy to reinforce Pakistan’s relations with its allies. The Prime Minister will next travel to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan from May 25 to 30, engaging in high-level meetings to:
- Discuss bilateral relations
- Address regional connectivity, trade, and defense cooperation
- Acknowledge support during Pakistan’s stand-off with India
While in Tajikistan, PM Shehbaz will also attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe on May 29–30.
Indian Backlash and Economic Fallout
The vocal support from Turkiye and Azerbaijan has reportedly sparked outrage in India. Several Indian citizens canceled travel plans to Turkiye, and major airports in Mumbai and Ahmedabad — operated by Adani Group — terminated ground handling contracts with Çelebi Aviation, a Turkish firm.
Social media-fueled boycotts have also emerged in India, targeting Turkish products such as coffee, chocolates, and cosmetics.
Continued Regional Coordination
In parallel to the tour, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, discussing the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project and agreeing to expedite the framework agreement.
Conclusion
PM Shehbaz’s visit to Turkiye underscores Pakistan’s active diplomatic outreach amid regional tensions, while also strengthening historical alliances. With further stops ahead, the tour signals Islamabad’s commitment to solidifying regional cooperation on both diplomatic and strategic fronts.
