President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met recently in Istanbul to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and boosting counter-terrorism cooperation. Following this meeting, both nations agreed to strengthen measures against terrorism financing and radicalization. President Erdogan is set to visit Pakistan later this week as part of a regional tour.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari had a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at Istanbul airport on Monday. This meeting occurred during a brief layover as President Zardari was on his way to Portugal. The discussions were primarily focused on enhancing bilateral relations and counter-terrorism cooperation, following a separate meeting in Islamabad.
Upon arriving in Lisbon, President Zardari expressed his condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini regarding the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan. He conveyed sincerest sympathies on behalf of Pakistan’s government and people, emphasizing the nation’s mourning over the loss of a significant friend and philanthropist. Zardari also acknowledged the late Aga Khan’s valuable contributions to Pakistan’s development, especially in healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
In a separate development, Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to intensify efforts in counter-terrorism, focusing on combating terrorism financing, preventing radicalization, and tackling the misuse of the internet for terrorist purposes. This decision was made during the second round of Pakistan-Turkiye Counter-Terrorism Consultations held in Islamabad after a six-year hiatus. Both nations affirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration in combating terrorism.
During their consultations, delegations reviewed the current global and regional terrorism landscape, sharing best practices and reinforcing their commitment to deepening cooperation. The Foreign Office stated, “The international community needs to address the root causes of terrorism by resolving long-protracted conflicts.” The nations also agreed to continue mutual learning in counter-terrorism initiatives.
Turkiye and Pakistan share a robust strategic partnership, with counter-terrorism collaboration being a fundamental component alongside trade and defense relations. The first round of these counter-terrorism discussions took place in Ankara in May 2019, where various avenues of cooperation were explored. Both countries remain vigilant against terrorism; Pakistan faces challenges from insurgency in Balochistan and Taliban militancy, while Turkiye confronts issues regarding Kurdish separatists.
President Erdogan is scheduled to visit Pakistan later this week as part of a broader three-nation tour, which includes Malaysia and Indonesia. According to Daily Sabah, Erdogan’s four-day journey will commence in Malaysia, proceed to Indonesia, and conclude in Pakistan. He intends to focus on enhancing bilateral ties and discuss significant international issues, including the conflicts in Palestine, Syria, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine situation.
The publication noted that relations between the two nations have reached unprecedented levels during President Erdogan’s successive tenures, highlighting the importance of his imminent visit to Pakistan.
In summary, President Erdogan’s upcoming visit marks a significant moment in reinforcing Turkiye-Pakistan relations, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts. The recent meetings between leaders further showcase their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various domains. As both nations confront their respective terrorism challenges, the collaboration forged in counter-terrorism will serve as a critical foundation for their strategic partnership moving forward.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
