Zardari Meets Erdogan Ahead of His Upcoming Visit to Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday during a brief stopover at Istanbul Airport while en route to Portugal. Erdogan is set to visit Pakistan later this week.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged pleasantries during their meeting.
After departing Istanbul, President Zardari arrived in Lisbon, where he expressed condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini on the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan. Speaking on behalf of Pakistan’s people and government, he mourned the loss of a “true friend” and “great philanthropist.” Zardari also acknowledged Aga Khan’s contributions to Pakistan’s healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation efforts.
Pakistan and Turkiye Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkiye reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing counter-terrorism collaboration. During the second round of Pakistan-Turkiye Counter-Terrorism Consultations in Islamabad, both countries agreed to work together to curb terrorism financing, prevent radicalization, and counter the misuse of the internet for terrorist activities.
The consultations resumed after a six-year gap despite ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two nations. Both sides reviewed the evolving global and regional security threats and exchanged insights on countering extremist networks. The Foreign Office emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism through conflict resolution and reiterated Pakistan and Turkiye’s dedication to joint security efforts.
Pakistan and Turkiye maintain a strong strategic partnership, with counter-terrorism cooperation playing a significant role alongside trade and defense ties. The first round of consultations was held in Ankara in May 2019, covering areas such as law enforcement, criminal justice, and counterterrorism financing. Both countries face significant security challenges—Pakistan with insurgencies in Balochistan and Taliban-linked militancy, and Turkiye with Kurdish separatist movements.
Their security collaboration extends to intelligence sharing, military exercises, and training programs. Joint military drills, codenamed “Ataturk,” focus on counter-terrorism tactics, hostage rescue operations, and dealing with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Erdogan’s Upcoming Visit to Pakistan
Turkish President Erdogan is scheduled to visit Pakistan this week as part of a broader tour of Asia, which includes stops in Malaysia and Indonesia.
According to Turkish media outlet Daily Sabah, Erdogan’s visit will focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and defense cooperation. Discussions will also cover major global issues, including the Palestine-Israel conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the situation in Syria.
Erdogan’s trip to Pakistan underscores the deep ties between the two nations, which have strengthened under his leadership.