



Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday sought Pakistan’s diplomatic support for his country on several crucial issues, including the civil war in Syria. Erdogan, who stopped at the Nur Khan airbase on his way back to Turkey from Indonesia, held a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his two-hour layover.





Although an official statement issued by the government did not reveal much about what the two leaders discussed, sources privy to the meeting shared with The Express Tribune some of the items on the agenda.They said Erdogan asked Premier Nawaz to use Pakistan’s influence on Iran and in the Middle East to help Turkey on several diplomatic fronts. In addition to the ongoing civil war in Syria, these include efforts to curb Kurdish militias, tackle Iran’s influence on the government in Damascus and prevent the Islamic State from penetrating Turkey.According to sources, Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party has weakened after failing to secure a majority in Turkey’s recent general elections. This was the main reason behind the Turkish president’s request for Pakistan’s diplomatic assistance.Erdogan appeared to be concerned in particular about Iran’s expected resurgence following its agreement with world powers over its nuclear programme, sources said. They added that the two leaders devised a strategy in light of this to deal with Tehran’s influence in Syria and on other regional players.The statement issued by the Foreign Office after Erdogan’s meeting with Premier Nawaz said that the two leaders held discussions on enhancing bilateral relations, and on international issues of mutual interest.An official handout released by the Prime Minister’s House said Premier Nawaz appreciated the personal contribution of President Erdogan to the growth and expansion of Pakistan-Turkey ties. It added that the prime minister appreciated Turkey’s technical participation in various development projects in Pakistan and expressed the desire to increase the volume of trade and investment between the two nations.Earlier, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, the Turkish president was accorded a red carpet welcome. He was received by Prime Minister Nawaz who was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, national security and foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, special assistant Tariq Fatemi, Maryam Nawaz and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry.Erdogan was presented the guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force and a bouquet by a young boy and girl dressed in traditional attire. After his brief stopover at the airbase, Erdogan left for Turkey at around 10pm. Before his departure, Prime Minister Nawaz held a banquet in his honour.Published in The Express Tribune, August 2, 2015.