- Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: Turkish President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan highlights growing regional cooperation with Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Defense & Trade Agreements: Discussions will focus on military collaboration, including naval and UAV deals, along with economic partnerships.
- Geopolitical Strategy: Key topics include the Palestine-Israel conflict, the Ukraine war, and regional stability in Asia.
- Historical Bonds: Pakistan and Turkiye share a deep-rooted relationship, with cultural, economic, and strategic ties spanning decades.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to embark on a crucial diplomatic tour across Asia this week, with Pakistan as the final stop of his three-nation itinerary, which also includes Malaysia and Indonesia. The visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral and regional ties, is expected to focus on economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and pressing global issues, including the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
According to the Turkish news outlet Daily Sabah, Erdogan will begin his four-day trip in Malaysia, followed by a visit to Indonesia, before concluding in Pakistan. The meetings across these nations will emphasize cooperation in various fields while also addressing pressing matters on the international stage, such as the Palestine-Israel conflict, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the security situation in Syria.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Pakistan
Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan is being closely watched by regional and international observers, given the historical and strategic partnership between the two nations. Turkish-Pakistani relations have seen a significant boost under Erdogan’s leadership, particularly in defense collaboration and trade.
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“Erdogan’s last stopover will be Pakistan, whose relations with Turkiye reached the highest level under successive tenures of the Turkish president,” reported Daily Sabah. The two nations have notably deepened their defense cooperation, with Pakistan becoming the first country to sign a deal for Turkiye’s indigenously developed naval vessels under the MILGEM (National Ship) project. The agreement marked a milestone in defense collaboration, strengthening Pakistan’s naval capabilities and enhancing military ties between the two countries.
In addition to naval vessels, Pakistan has also shown keen interest in Turkiye’s advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), further cementing the growing defense partnership. The strategic military collaboration is seen as part of a broader effort by both nations to reduce reliance on Western defense supplies while fostering self-sufficiency in their respective defense industries.
Erdogan’s Previous Visit to Pakistan
Erdogan last visited Pakistan in February 2020 on a two-day official trip, during which he met with then-President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The visit was largely focused on enhancing trade and investment opportunities while strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership. During his address to the Pakistani parliament, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, drawing strong praise from Islamabad.
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Since then, the bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Turkiye has witnessed a steady increase, with both nations exploring further economic integration. Erdogan’s latest visit is expected to build upon these developments, with agreements likely to be signed in key economic and infrastructure sectors.
Regional Implications of Erdogan’s Tour
Erdogan’s visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan highlight Turkiye’s growing focus on fostering closer ties with key Muslim-majority nations in Asia. The trip comes at a time when Ankara is seeking to expand its geopolitical influence in the Muslim world, particularly amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The Palestine-Israel conflict is expected to feature prominently in Erdogan’s discussions, as Turkiye has been vocal in its condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza. Erdogan’s engagements with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan—three nations that have strongly criticized Israel’s recent military actions—may lead to a unified stance on the crisis within the broader Muslim world.
Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its global ramifications are likely to be a key discussion point. As a NATO member with deepening ties with Russia, Turkiye has played a mediatory role in past negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Erdogan’s discussions with leaders in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan may explore avenues for coordinated diplomatic efforts regarding the Ukraine crisis.
Pakistan-Turkiye Relations: A Historical Perspective
Pakistan and Turkiye share a long-standing bond rooted in cultural, religious, and historical ties. Both nations have frequently supported each other on international platforms, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Turkiye has consistently backed Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, while Pakistan has reciprocated by supporting Ankara on issues related to Northern Cyprus and Turkiye’s stance against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Over the years, cooperation between the two countries has extended beyond politics and defense to trade, education, and tourism. In recent years, Turkish TV dramas such as Diriliş: Ertuğrul have gained immense popularity in Pakistan, strengthening cultural connections between the two societies.
Zardari’s Meeting with Erdogan in Istanbul
Ahead of Erdogan’s upcoming visit, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari held a brief meeting with his Turkish counterpart at Istanbul Airport during a stopover en route to Portugal. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan received Zardari at the airport, where the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and matters of mutual interest.
Zardari’s visit to Portugal was primarily to offer condolences following the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan. During his stay, he is also scheduled to meet Prince Rahim Al-Husseini, the newly designated 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community.
What to Expect from Erdogan’s Visit to Pakistan
Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan is anticipated to further solidify the already robust partnership between the two nations. Key areas of discussion will likely include:
- Defense Collaboration: Expanding military cooperation, including discussions on future joint defense projects and the acquisition of Turkish defense equipment.
- Trade and Investment: Strengthening economic ties, particularly in sectors such as construction, energy, and tourism.
- Geopolitical Coordination: Aligning strategies on major international issues, including the Palestine-Israel conflict, the situation in Afghanistan, and the war in Ukraine.
As the global geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Turkiye’s engagement with Pakistan and other Asian nations signals a strategic recalibration of its foreign policy. Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Pakistan will be a testament to the enduring ties between Ankara and Islamabad, reinforcing their shared vision for regional stability and mutual prosperity.