Turkish President Erdogan will visit Pakistan this week to enhance bilateral cooperation. His meeting with President Zardari in Istanbul focused on counter-terrorism initiatives. Both nations are committed to combating terrorism financing and radicalization. Erdogan’s trip is part of a broader three-nation tour aimed at strengthening ties with Malaysia and Indonesia as well.
This week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is slated to visit Pakistan. His scheduled arrival follows a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari during a brief stopover in Istanbul, where both leaders reaffirmed the commitment to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts. The two nations have agreed to collaborate closely in combating terrorism financing, preventing radicalization, and addressing the exploitation of the internet for terrorist activities.
Following his meeting in Turkey, President Zardari proceeded to Lisbon, Portugal, expressing condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini upon the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan. Zardari acknowledged the significant contributions of the late Aga Khan to Pakistan’s development, particularly in areas such as healthcare and education, and emphasized mourning the loss of a “true friend.”
The Foreign Office of Pakistan has announced that during the second round of Pakistan-Turkey Counter-Terrorism Consultations, both countries reviewed the evolving threats posed by global terrorism. The discussions included strategic measures to enhance cooperation in law enforcement and to improve intelligence sharing regarding terrorist networks. This meeting follows a six-year break since their previous consultation in Ankara.
Erdogan’s upcoming visit is part of a three-nation tour aimed at strengthening ties with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Turkish sources indicate that the agenda will encompass a broad range of international issues, from regional conflicts such as Palestine and Israel to the ongoing situation in Syria and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Erdogan’s trip underscores the depth of strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkey.
Both nations have maintained a robust military collaboration including joint counter-terrorism exercises dubbed “Ataturk,” which integrate special forces from both sides in various operational scenarios. This ongoing cooperation is vital, particularly as Turkey grapples with the Kurdish separatist movement and Pakistan deals with insurgency and Taliban-related challenges, making their partnership essential in combating terrorism effectively.
In summary, President Erdogan’s visit highlights the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey, particularly concerning counter-terrorism cooperation. Efforts to bolster security through shared intelligence and joint military exercises reflect a commitment to address the growing threats of terrorism in both nations. Erdogan’s tour is anticipated to further deepen these ties, emphasizing collaboration on broader international issues.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
