Erdogan in Pakistan: A Timeline of Strengthening Bilateral Relations
News Desk
Islamabad: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was accorded a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House on Thursday as he arrived for a high-level bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly received President Erdogan at the main entrance of the PM House. The Turkish leader’s motorcade, making its way along Constitution Avenue, was met with a grand display of Pakistan and Turkiye’s flags and welcoming banners.
Local artists, dressed in traditional attire, performed vibrant folk dances, while a group of men in white cloaks and tall conical hats showcased the symbolic whirling dervishes, a cherished element of Turkish culture.
At the formal welcome reception, the national anthems of Pakistan and Turkiye were played, followed by a guard of honour presented by smartly turned-out contingents of the armed forces, which President Erdogan reviewed.
Subsequently, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan introduced their respective delegations before commencing their bilateral discussions.
To symbolize the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Turkiye, President Erdogan planted a pine tree sapling in the lawns of the PM House. Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, a squadron of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets performed a flypast in his honour. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir was also present at the ceremony.
Later in the day, both leaders are set to lead their delegations at the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, where discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, defense, education, and strategic sectors.
According to the details, President Erdogan, accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan and a high-level delegation, landed at Nur Khan Airbase on Wednesday night.
He was welcomed by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other cabinet members. PAF jets escorted the Turkish leader’s aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace.
Erdogan’s Visits to Pakistan: A Timeline
February 2020: Erdogan returned to Pakistan, addressing Parliament for a record fourth time. This visit led to multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in trade, defense, tourism, and education, with a commitment to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion.
October 2019: A planned visit was postponed due to Turkey’s military operations in Syria.
February 2017: As President, Erdogan visited Pakistan and reaffirmed Turkey’s support on regional and global issues, including Kashmir. Discussions included a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and further economic and defense collaborations.
May 2012: Became the first foreign leader to address Pakistan’s Parliament twice, focusing on trade, energy, and infrastructure development.
October 2009: As Prime Minister, Erdogan addressed Pakistan’s Parliament for the first time and signed agreements to enhance economic collaboration.
Throughout his visits, Erdogan has played a pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye relations. His consistent engagement has bolstered economic and defense cooperation, increased Turkish investments in Pakistan’s infrastructure, and fostered cultural and educational exchanges.
His repeated visits underscore the deep strategic partnership between the two nations, making Turkiye one of Pakistan’s most steadfast allies.
