Amid boycott calls from Indians, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced his support for "Brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times."
Erdogan's comments came after Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X and thanked the Turkish leader for his “strong support and unwavering solidarity" for Pakistan and hailed the "brotherly ties" between the two nations.
In a post on micro-blogging website X, Erdogan wrote, "My precious @CMShehbaz brother, The brotherhood between Türkiye and Pakistan, which is enjoyed by very few nations in the world, is one of the best examples of true friendship. As Türkiye, we attach great importance to the peace, tranquillity and stability of Pakistan."
He further said,"We appreciate the sensible, patient policy of the Pakistani state, which prioritises dialogue and compromise in resolving disputes. We will continue to be by your side in good and bad times, as we have in the past and in the future. Through you, I greet our friendly and brotherly Pakistan with my most heartfelt affection."
Erdogan was responding to a post by Pakistan's President Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif had written,"I was deeply touched by the strong support and unwavering solidarity of my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan. Pakistan is proud of its long-standing, time-tested and enduring brotherly ties with Turkey, which have grown stronger with each new challenge. I am particularly grateful for His Excellency's constructive role and resolute efforts to promote peace in South Asia. May the ties between Pakistan and Turkey continue to grow stronger as we work together to build a bright and prosperous future for our two countries and peoples."
Meanwhile, hundreds of Indian tourists are now cancelling their trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan as these countries supported Pakistan in the conflict with India following the massacre of 26 tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam by Islamabad-backed terrorists. Besides, the traders' body, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), has called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan.
On Wednesday, The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing workers, technicians, artists, and professionals of the Indian film industry, announced a complete ban on Turkey for all film shoots and cultural collaborations.
