Turkey acknowledges Pakistan's backing of Turkish Cypriots

In a significant development on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday.

The leaders discussed a range of bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues. The Presidency's Communications Directorate issued a statement about the meeting, highlighting the appreciation expressed by Erdogan for the development of relations between Pakistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Shahbaz Sharif, in turn, expressed Pakistan's strong support for the independence and sovereignty of the TRNC, despite Pakistan not fully recognizing its independence and sovereignty. This stance reflects the flourishing relations between Pakistan and the TRNC under the leadership of Sharif and TRNC President Ersin Tatar.

Erdogan also praised the solidarity between Turkey and Pakistan, emphasizing that both countries share the same stance on Israel's actions in Gaza. He stressed that Turkey and Pakistan would work together on the matter, demonstrating a united front on this critical regional issue.

In addition, Erdogan told Sharif that Turkey and Pakistan aim to increase cooperation in various fields, particularly trade, energy, defense industry, and security. This commitment to enhanced cooperation underscores the growing bond between the two nations.

During the meeting, Erdogan expressed appreciation for the development of relations between Pakistan and the TRNC. This sentiment was echoed by Sharif, who reiterated Pakistan's support for the Turkish Cypriots' cause of establishing a sovereign state on the divided island of Cyprus.

The meeting marked a significant step forward in the relationship between Turkey and Pakistan, with both leaders committing to strengthening ties and working together on various issues of mutual concern.