ISLAMABAD — During his recent two-day visit to Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey voiced strong criticisms against Israel, expressing his support for the Palestinian cause, particularly those in Gaza. In a business forum held in the capital city of Islamabad, he condemned any plans aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from their homeland.
Erdogan alleged that Israel was not adhering to its ceasefire commitment and warned that the situation in the region was poised to descend back into violence. He categorically rejected any proposals that suggest relocating Palestinians, particularly referencing a plan put forth by former President Donald Trump. He asserted, “Gaza belongs to our Gazan brothers and sisters and will remain so forever,” emphasizing the historical and emotional ties the Palestinian people have to their land.
In discussions earlier that day, Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif focused on the ongoing crisis in Gaza as well as strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation between their nations. Together, they led strategic talks that resulted in the signing of 24 agreements and several memorandums of understanding aimed at enhancing economic and defense relationships. During the forum, Sharif highlighted their mutual goal to escalate the value of annual trade between Turkey and Pakistan from $1 billion to $5 billion.
Erdogan reiterated his commitment to supporting Palestine and noted, “Alongside Pakistan, we strive to provide every effort possible to support the just cause of our Palestinian brothers, both within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other platforms.” He emphasized the need to stand firm against any unjust proposals that threaten to uproot Palestinians from their ancestral land.
On his visit, Erdogan received a warm welcome from crowds dressed in traditional Turkish and Pakistani attire, who lined the streets adorned with flags from both countries. Accompanying him on this visit was his wife, Emine Erdogan, as he also had scheduled meetings with Pakistani officials, including former President Asif Ali Zardari.
