Ankara, 17 February 2023 (TDI): Pakistan Embassy in Turkiye stated that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met with Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Presidential Complex in Ankara.
Premier Shahbaz expressed his deep sadness and sympathies to the President on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan for the tragedy caused by the earthquake.
He conveyed his condolences to the Turkish people and the victims’ families. Sharif claimed that Pakistanis felt the same grief and pain as their Turkish brothers and sisters.
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He promised that the people of Pakistan would not rest until every person harmed would be adequately restored. Shahbaz also hoped that under Türkish President, Erdoğan’s guidance, Türkiye would emerge stronger from the disaster.
Sharif visited earthquake-affected areas and met with Pakistani rescue and recovery workers on the ground.
The Prime Minister is visiting Türkiye to convey Pakistan’s solidarity and assistance in the aftermath of the significant earthquakes in Türkiye.
Pakistan – Türkiye Bilateral Ties
Bilateral solid relations have existed between Pakistan and Türkiye for a long time. Cultural, religious, and historical relations between the two countries have enhanced their relationship.
Pakistan-Türkiye diplomatic ties began in 1947. Since then, the two countries have maintained close relations in various areas, including defense, trade, education, and culture.
Türkiye has consistently backed Pakistan on international matters, particularly the Kashmir dispute with India. Pakistan has also supported Türkiye’s battle against the Kurdish separatist movement.
The two nations have made efforts to solidify their relations in recent years. Türkiye has helped Pakistan enhance its infrastructure and grow its energy sector. In addition, Pakistan has assisted Türkiye in expanding its commerce and investment in the region.
Both countries have also worked together on defense and security matters. Pakistan and Türkiye signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance their defense cooperation.
Under the agreement, the two nations committed to intensifying their cooperation in many defense-related areas, including military training, joint military exercises, and industry cooperation.
The Memorandum of Understanding also included provisions for exchanging defense-related information and technology and the collaborative manufacture of defense equipment.
Terrible Earthquake in Syria and Türkiye
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 rocked southern Türkiye and northern Syria on February 6, 2023. More than 44,000 people have died due to Monday’s horrific earthquakes. Rescue personnel have been searching the wreckage for survival.
At least 41,791 buildings collapsed or suffered significant damage in Türkiye and Syria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 23 million people could be affected due to the earthquake.
