Erdoğan calls Pakistan's Sharif, urges diplomacy in Middle East crisis

2026-03-03 - 21:12

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a telephone conversation Tuesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the escalating crisis triggered by Israeli-US attacks on Iran, the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications announced. Erdoğan emphasized that returning to diplomatic channels in the region would yield significant benefits and affirmed Türkiye's readiness to provide all possible support. Diplomacy Call During the call, Erdoğan stressed that renewed diplomatic engagement offers the most promising path to resolving the current conflict and preventing further bloodshed. His message aligns with Ankara's consistent advocacy for peaceful resolution of disputes as hostilities expand across the Middle East following Saturday's strikes that killed Iranian leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Counterterrorism Solidarity The Turkish president condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and expressed Ankara's continued solidarity with Islamabad in its fight against terrorism. Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to standing with Pakistan against threats to its security, reflecting the deep bilateral relationship between the two nations. Afghanistan-Pakistan Mediation Erdoğan also addressed tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, stating that Türkiye would contribute to efforts restoring the ceasefire between the two neighbors. Ankara has previously facilitated ceasefire agreements between Islamabad and Kabul, building on its diplomatic engagement in the region. The leaders also discussed broader Türkiye-Pakistan relations and global issues of mutual concern.