Turkey and Pakistan Strengthen Ties Amid Ceasefire Extension Discussions

The President of Turkey met with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on the sidelines of the International Peace and Trust Forum. Erdoğan emphasized the expansion of economic relations, stating that Ankara welcomes the extension of the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan and is ready to play an effective role in the mechanism established to reduce tension and maintain non-conflict between the two sides…

​Erdoğan in Meeting with Shahbaz Sharif: Ankara Welcomes Ceasefire Extension

​Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, met with Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, on the sidelines of the International Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and discussed bilateral relations and regional and global issues.

​Ankara’s Commitment to Regional Mediation

​During this meeting, the President of Turkey emphasized the importance of expanding friendly relations with Pakistan and expressed support for ongoing efforts to reduce tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. Erdoğan considered the extension of the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan a welcome initiative. He stated that Ankara is prepared to cooperate and play an effective role in the mechanism created to maintain non-conflict and reduce tension between the two sides. This is particularly pertinent given the recent calls by the UN Security Council for urgent changes in Taliban policies amid Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.

​Bilateral Relations and Border Tensions

​Erdoğan also emphasized that Turkey will strive to increase cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, investment, and other sectors in the future. The relations between Pakistan and the Taliban government have been tense in recent months due to border conflicts and mutual accusations regarding the activities of armed groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Several rounds of negotiations between the delegations of the two countries have been held with the mediation of regional countries, including in Doha (agreement on a temporary ceasefire) and Istanbul (failure to achieve a specific outcome, leading to a breakdown of negotiations by the Taliban). Despite the incomplete success of previous rounds, Turkey’s announcement of its readiness to play an effective role indicates the continuation of regional diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation of tensions. This challenge is echoed in reports such as China’s urging the Taliban to enhance border security following deadly attacks on citizens, which further highlights the fragile security situation in the area.