News Desk |
The Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Imran Khan on Tuesday, through a telephonic conversation, on the success of General Elections 2018, held on the 25th of July 2018. According to sources, Erdogan and Imran wished to maintain cordial relations in future. Erdogan extended his
“Well wishes for Imran and his soon to be formed government”.
Turkey is emerging as a potential power under the leadership of Erdogan. As per experts, in future, the likely power of Turkey will continue to grow after reelection of Erdogan.
It was confirmed by the media cell of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf that both the leaders intended to start a new chapter of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey. Erdogan is one of the international leaders to call and congratulate Imran Khan, President Modi also expressed his good wishes for Imran Khan on his victory.
Turkey and Pakistan have maintained good relations since independence. Both countries have brotherly relations due to the similar religious identity, although Turkey is a Secular State. After the recent failed coup in 2016, Erdogan requested Pakistan to remove the Turkish staff from the Pak-Turk school chain across the country, claiming the teachers were linked to Gulen’s Hizmet network. When Nawaz appeased Erdogan by ordering the Turkish teachers to leave, Erdogan returned the favor by echoing Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
Read more: Pakistan, Turkey agree to increase cooperation over peace efforts in Afghanistan
Turkey shares borders with European countries. Turkey has kept their Muslim identity but they are open to liberal values. It is an anomaly as they have incorporated Western values with their religious identity. Turkey is known as a modern Muslim state. Pakistan considers Turkey a major player in the context of its recent involvement in the Middle East and growing influence in the region. Imran Khan has praised Erdogan and Turkey several times before.
In Turkey today on the invitation of Prime Minister Erdogan. Heard a statesman like speech from him in Istanbul Economic Forum
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 13, 2012
Pakistan views Turkey as a major player, especially their growing role at a global level. According to the experts, Turkey’s power is growing in the contemporary world. The active engagement of Turkey in the Middle East has increased its relevance for Pakistan. Pakistan relations with Turkey are based on mutual benefit as both states share common values. The leadership of Pakistan has close ties with Erdogan and they have worked on a number of projects. It is equally important for the new government of Pakistan to continue in coming years.
When Nawaz appeased Erdogan by ordering the Turkish teachers to leave, Erdogan returned the favor by echoing Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
Resident Erdogan also called PMLN leader Shahbaz Sharif to congratulate him for emerging as the 2nd largest party in G.E’18.
President Erdogan also inquired about Mian Nawaz Sharif and expressed his concern on his health, plus conveyed his best wishes for the recovery of Begum Kalsoom Nawaz. https://t.co/1xnZLmY4R9
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 31, 2018
The increasing role of Turkey in the Middle East is another factor which makes it significant for Pakistan. Pakistan has good relations with Middle Eastern countries. The growing role of Turkey in the region increases its importance for Pakistan, as the Middle East Corridor, Turkey stresses on the support of Pakistan and China to revive the old silk route. This route will link Turkey with the Caucasus to Central Asia via the Caspian Sea. The completion of this project will increase the geostrategic relations between Pakistan and Turkey. Pakistan with the support of Turkey can have a prominent role in Middle Eastern politics by engaging other regional actors.
Read more: Will Turkey become a Peacemaker between Pakistan and India over Kashmir?
But the question is why having cordial relations with Turkey is important for the new government of Pakistan? Turkey being a major player in the contemporary world due to its growing influence, thenew elected Government in Pakistan would want to have cordial relations with Turkey to ensure its stability. Turkey is emerging as a potential power under the leadership of Erdogan. As per experts, in future, the likely power of Turkey will continue to grow after reelection of Erdogan.
The future of relations between Pakistan and Turkey will largely depend on initiatives of the newly elected government of the country. The new Pakistan leadership hopes to improve its relations with major players at international level including Turkey. It is too early to predict the nature of future relations between Turkey and Pakistan, however, one thing is for sure that it will be based on mutual trust due to close affinities between both states in terms of common identity.