Tue May 27 02:52:40 UTC 2025: **Erdogan Welcomes Pakistani Field Marshal Amidst Tensions with India**

Ankara, Turkey – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warmly welcomed Pakistan’s newly promoted Field Marshal Asim Munir in Ankara, congratulating him on his recent advancement. This gesture comes in the wake of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, following a religiously-motivated terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, days after an inflammatory speech by the Pakistan army chief.

The meeting follows India’s military response to the Pakistan-linked cross-border terror attack, which resulted in significant damage to Pakistan’s terror and military infrastructure. The promotion of Munir is viewed by some as a face-saving attempt by Islamabad to regain credibility after facing accusations of spreading misinformation.

Erdogan’s actions signal a strong ideological alignment with Pakistan. In a message following India’s elimination of over 100 terrorists, Erdogan expressed condolences to the “brotherly people and state of Pakistan.” This message coincided with the funeral of terrorists killed during India’s Operation Sindoor, conducted by US-designated terrorist Hafiz Abdur Rauf, with Pakistani army officers in attendance.

During the visit, Erdogan expressed his desire to elevate the relationship between Turkey and Pakistan to a strategic partnership, raising concerns about potential nuclear cooperation and strengthened financial and defense ties. There are reports that Turkey aided Pakistan’s military against India, including the provision of drones. While Turkey has denied sending arms and weapons, it acknowledged a warship port call and refueling of military aircraft.

Notably, Field Marshal Munir was present at bilateral talks alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, underscoring the significant role of the Pakistani military in governance and diplomacy. Prime Minister Sharif thanked Erdogan for his “resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan India standoff.”

Following the visit to Turkey, the Pakistani delegation is scheduled to visit Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, indicating Islamabad’s focus on strengthening ties within its immediate neighborhood.

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