Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul, just weeks after heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. During the meeting, Sharif expressed gratitude to Erdoğan for his “resolute support” in the wake of the conflict with India.

Posting on X, the Pakistani Prime Minister wrote: “Had the honour of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff.”

“We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements, particularly in trade and investment, and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Long live Pakistan-Turkiye Friendship,” he added.

A statement from the Turkish President’s office said the meeting was intended to deepen cooperation between the two nations, especially in the areas of energy, trade, transportation and defence.

President Erdoğan emphasised the need for closer collaboration in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts, stating, “It is in the interest of Turkey and Pakistan to increase solidarity in education, intelligence sharing and technological support in the fight against terrorism.”

The talks came amid strained relations between Turkey and India, particularly following claims that Pakistan had deployed Turkish-manufactured drones during the recent hostilities. Turkey has denied these allegations, maintaining that no weapons were supplied to Pakistan during the conflict.

‘We Have Strengthened Unbreakable Ties’

Responding to Sharif’s post, President Erdoğan stated: “We discussed many critical issues with them, especially the economy, trade and security. We confirmed and strengthened our will to strengthen the deep-rooted historical, human and political relations between Turkey and Pakistan in every field. As my dear brother Shehbaz stated, we have further strengthened the unbreakable ties, cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood between our countries and peoples. I convey my most heartfelt love to my Pakistani brothers through Mr. Sharif.”

Following delegation-level discussions, a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s office reiterated Sharif’s “heartfelt gratitude” to Turkey’s government and people for their support during what was described as the worst India-Pakistan conflict in decades.

$5 Billion Trade Ambition

Turkey’s Directorate of Communications also issued a statement after the talks, noting: “During the meeting, President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye and Pakistan would continue to take steps to advance their relations and achieve the goal of a five billion dollar trade volume.”

It added: “Emphasising that efforts would be made to enhance cooperation in all areas, particularly in energy, transportation, and defence between the two countries, President Erdoğan noted that strengthening solidarity between Turkey and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism through training, intelligence sharing and technological support would serve the interests of both nations, and added that the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad railway line should be made more efficient and that concrete steps in the field of education would contribute to bilateral relations.”

Erdoğan Backs Pakistan

President Erdoğan has been vocal in his support for Pakistan during its recent conflict with India.

The clashes erupted after an armed terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on 22 April, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese national. India accused Pakistan of providing indirect support to the attackers-a claim Pakistan firmly denied.

In retaliation, India launched strikes on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), leading to a four-day military confrontation. Both nations possess nuclear capabilities, raising concerns over regional stability. Turkey subsequently backed Pakistan’s call for an international investigation into the attack.

A ceasefire agreement was reached on 10 May.

President Erdoğan was accompanied at the talks by several high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, National Intelligence Chief İbrahim Kalın, and other senior advisers and military leaders.