Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, where they strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and vowed to raise the issue globally.
Shared Stance on Gaza Crisis
Both leaders expressed deep concern over what they termed Israel’s “genocidal policies” against Palestinians.
“Israel seeks to expand its genocide policy in Gaza,” Erdogan told Shehbaz, adding that Türkiye and Pakistan “stand on the same line against this genocide and will continue coordinated efforts.”
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office noted that the two sides reaffirmed their “commitment to using international platforms to advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and to condemn the ongoing Israeli aggression.”
Syria’s Unity, Regional Coordination
Erdogan emphasised that Syria’s unity and territorial integrity were “indispensable” for Türkiye, stressing opposition to any move that could destabilise the war-torn country. Both leaders agreed on the need for closer coordination in addressing regional crises.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The meeting also reviewed progress in trade, energy, defence, and security cooperation. Erdogan praised growing ties and highlighted Ankara’s satisfaction with Pakistan’s supportive stance on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
President Erdogan extended condolences to flood-affected families in Pakistan and assured that Türkiye stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the Pakistani people.
PM Shehbaz Visits Tianjin University
Separately, PM Shehbaz visited the National Earthquake Simulation Centre at Tianjin University, where he lauded China’s disaster management technologies and stressed their importance for Pakistan’s preparedness. He directed the NDMA to ensure full coordination with Punjab authorities in relief operations for flood-hit areas, including Narowal, Sialkot, Hafizabad, and Jhang.
Addressing Pakistani students in Tianjin, Shehbaz urged them to excel in their studies and return home as “ambassadors of Pakistan” and “architects of the nation’s future.”
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