Shehbaz, Erdogan discuss Makkah pact and regional peace

ANTALYA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the Makkah defence agreement has strengthened solidarity with Pakistan, as he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the COP31 Leaders Summit in Antalya on Thursday.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed regional security, diplomatic efforts to promote peace and ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement at a trilateral summit in Makkah on August 7. The agreement aims to enhance collective security, strengthen defence cooperation and promote regional stability. The Turkish parliament approved its ratification on November 5, paving the way for the trilateral arrangement to take effect.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Erdogan appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and diplomatic efforts that led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The Turkish president also reaffirmed his country’s willingness to support peaceful efforts to address regional challenges. He said Turkiye would continue working with Pakistan to help bring an end to the conflict involving Iran.

Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the efforts of regional countries, particularly members of the Makkah pact, to encourage dialogue and prevent further escalation. He thanked Erdogan for Turkiye’s consistent support and close coordination during Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives.

Both leaders stressed that all parties must honour their commitments under the Islamabad MoU to achieve lasting peace across the region.

They also expressed satisfaction with the progress in Pakistan-Turkiye relations and discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, defence, energy and regional connectivity.

The two sides agreed on the need to accelerate ongoing projects, explore new economic opportunities and maintain close coordination on regional and international developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their longstanding strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, during which both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade, technology, education and climate resilience.

In a statement shared on X, the prime minister said the two countries had agreed to develop a forward-looking partnership across these sectors.

Shehbaz also highlighted Finland’s expertise in flood forecasting and early warning systems, saying Pakistan valued its experience in managing climate-related challenges.

He thanked Stubb for acknowledging Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States. The prime minister also expressed his desire to welcome the Finnish president to Pakistan.

In another diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Shehbaz met Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council President General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. He also expressed solidarity with the Sudanese people amid the challenges facing their country.

Both leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also stressed the need for collective international action to address climate change, particularly to support developing countries facing its severe consequences.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also met Iraqi President Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amidi and congratulated him on the successful completion of parliamentary elections and the formation of a new government.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity and stability.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral relations and emphasised the importance of continued high-level exchanges and institutional cooperation.

Their discussions covered trade, investment, manpower, reconstruction, agriculture and defence. The prime minister also appreciated Iraq’s assistance in facilitating Pakistani Zaireen visiting the country.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments and agreed to maintain close coordination at multilateral forums. Shehbaz also invited the Iraqi president to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.