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The Star
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Turkey's pro-Kurdish party will meet with President Erdogan
FILE PHOTO: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a press conference following a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Turkey, June 16, 2025. Murat Kula/Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS/File photo ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party will meet President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, seeking to move along a peace process between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group. DEM, the country's third-biggest party and which has played a key role facilitating the PKK's disarmament decision in May, said it met PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan in prison on Sunday. "(Ocalan) he said he attaches great importance to our delegation's meeting with the president described it as historic," the party said in a statement. The PKK, which has been locked in a bloody conflict with the Turkish state for more than four decades, decided in May to disband and end its armed struggle. The PKK could start handing over its weapons in the coming days, officials and sources said. President Erdogan will receive DEM Party leaders and delegation in Ankara at 1200 GMT. They are expected to discuss the recent developments in the PKK disarmament process. Since Ocalan's public call to his PKK in February, DEM has held talks with Erdogan and other government officials seeking to propel the potential peace process. Since the PKK launched its insurgency against Turkey in 1984 - originally with the aim of creating an independent Kurdish state - the conflict has killed more than 40,000 people, imposed a huge economic burden and fuelled social tensions. (Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun and Zeynep Berkem; Editing by Michael Perry)
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First Post
27-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Trump open to joining Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Turkey if Putin attends, says Erdogan
Even as the United States stands distracted with the Israel-Iran conflict, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that US President Donald Trump is open to joining Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul if Russian leader Vladimir Putin would agree to attend. read more Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan meets US President Donald Trump during the Nato summit in London, Britain, December 4, 2019. (Photo: Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Presidential Press Office/Handout via Reuters/File Photo) Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that US President Donald Trump is open to joining Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul. Turkey has hosted two rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia in recent weeks in Istanbul. The last round of talks was held on June 2, a day after Ukraine carried out a drone attack inside Russia and destroyed nearly a third of the country's long-range bomber and surveillance fleets. Erdogan has said that Trump would be open to join talks in Istanbul if Russian leader Vladimir Putin would be in attendance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'He (Trump) said, 'if Russian President Vladimir Putin comes to Istanbul or Ankara for a solution, then I will also come. We will hold the necessary contacts and God willing realise this meeting as soon as possible,' said Erdogan, referring to his meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the Nato Summit. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for Putin's attendance for leader-level talks, the Russian leader has rejected such demands. Erdogan eyes 'window of opportunity' despite challenges Even as the Israel-Iran conflict has distracted the United States and Europe, Erdogan is hopeful that Trump could be convinced to join Ukraine-Russia talks. Turkey is using its mediation between Ukraine and Russia as a way to raise its profile on the international stage. Erdogan has long had close ties with Trump and has been acting as a go-between in the Ukraine war since 2022. Erdogan said that there currently exists a 'window of opportunity' that should not be missed. 'I believe a window of opportunity has opened for a ceasefire and lasting peace. We cannot afford to miss it. We are working to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace process by supporting additional concrete steps between the parties,' said Erdogan. Despite Erdogan's hopeful remarks, expectations of any immediate breakthrough are not high as Russia has rejected all US-backed ceasefire proposals so far that Ukraine has accepted. Russia has also ramped up the conflict in recent weeks with near-daily attacks with hundreds of missiles and drones. Even though Trump has expressed frustration with Putin in recent months, he has not taken any decision to pressure him. He has neither granted new weapons to Ukraine nor ramped up sanctions on Russia. Instead, he has repeatedly trashed Ukraine and its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and granted every wish to Putin and parroted his talking points justifying the Russian invasion of Ukraine of 2022 that began the ongoing war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Asahi Shimbun
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Beijing, a longtime friend of Tehran, turns to cautious diplomacy in Iran's war with Israel
In this photo released by Kazakhstan's Presidential Press Office, Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, walks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev upon his arrival at an international airport outside Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 16. (Kazakhstan Presidential Press Office via AP) When Israel attacked Iran nearly two weeks ago, the Chinese government, a longtime friend of Iran, jumped into action — at least, when it came to words. It condemned the attacks. Its leader, Xi Jinping, got on the phone with the Russian leader and urged a ceasefire. Its foreign minister spoke with his counterpart in Iran. But that's where China stopped. The usual rhetoric was delivered. De-escalation and dialogue were trumpeted. Yet China offered no material support. Despite Beijing's clout as a near-peer rival to the United States and its ambition to play a bigger role on the world stage, Beijing refrained from offering military support to Iran, let alone getting directly involved in the conflict. The decision underscored the limitations it faces in the Middle East. 'Beijing lacks both the diplomatic capabilities and the risk appetite to quickly intervene in, and to think it can successfully navigate, this fast-moving and volatile situation,' said Jude Blanchette, director of the China Research Center at RAND. Given the tangled politics of the Middle East, where China holds substantial economic and energy stakes yet wields minimal military influence, Beijing 'isn't inclined to stick its neck out,' Blanchette added. Instead, the Chinese government opts to remain 'a measured, risk‑averse actor.' Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Relations at Nanjing University in eastern China, said volatility in the Middle East is not in China's interests. 'From China's point of view, the Israel-Iran conflicts challenge and impact China's business interests and economic security,' Zhu said. 'This is something China absolutely does not want to see.' After the Iranian parliament floated a plan to shut down the strategically located Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, China spoke against it. 'China calls on the international community to step up efforts to de-escalate conflicts and prevent regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic development,' said Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry. On Tuesday, following the ceasefire announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post: 'China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran,' suggesting the ceasefire would prevent the disruption of Iranian oil production. A 2024 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration contained estimates suggesting that roughly 80% to 90% of the oil exported by Iran went to China. The Chinese economy could struggle to preserve its industrial production without the roughly 1.2 million barrels of oil and other fossil fuels provided by Iran. Craig Singleton, senior China fellow at the Washington-based think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, summed up Beijing's responses as 'steady oil buys and ritual calls for 'dialogue'.' 'That's about it,' Singleton said. 'No drones or missile parts, no emergency credit line. Just words calibrated to placate Tehran without rattling Riyadh or inviting U.S. sanctions.' Beijing's muted responses also expose the gap between China's great-power rhetoric and its real reach in the region. Said Singleton: 'China's Gulf footprint is commercial, not combat-ready. When missiles fly, its much-touted strategic partnership with Iran shrinks to statements. Beijing wants discounted Iranian oil and a 'peace-broker' headline, while letting Washington shoulder the hard-power risks.' Since the onset of the war, Beijing — which brokered a diplomatic rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023 — stood by Iran's side and urged talks. At the United Nations, China, a permanent member of the Security Council, teamed up with Russia and Pakistan in putting forward a draft resolution condemning 'in the strongest terms' the attacks against peaceful nuclear sites and facilities in Iran. They called for 'an immediate and unconditional ceasefire' even though the United States, another permanent member on the council, is almost certain to veto the proposal. Shortly after Israel attacked Iran, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, and told him that 'China explicitly condemned Israel's violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.' Wang, using common diplomatic language, said China was 'ready to maintain communication with Iran and other relevant parties to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation.' Wang later spoke with foreign ministers of Oman and Egypt; both nations are key mediators in the region. And late last week, before the U.S. got involved militarily, Xi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin; the two agreed to stay in closer contact over Iran and work toward de-escalation. But China stayed away from any direct involvement, and Russia also had muted responses to the Israel-Iran conflict. Iran is an important link in Xi's ambitious global project Belt and Road Initiative, and in 2023 joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a security group by Russia and China to counter the U.S.-led NATO. It has conducted joint exercises with China, including this year's 'Maritime Security Belt 2025' in the Gulf of Oman, in which Russia also took part. On Wednesday, Beijing will convene a meeting of defense ministers of SCO member nations. As important as Iran is to China, it is only part of Beijing's calculus, according to an analysis by the Soufan Center, a New York-based organization that focuses on global security challenges. In an intel brief, the center said the conflict has revealed that Beijing's support for its partners, especially those in confrontation with the United States, 'is limited by a complex matrix of interests, including its desire to avoid alienating major economic partners and escalating tensions with the West.'
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Is Sharif handing over Pakistan's political keys to Munir?
Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir is stepping into an increasingly visible leadership role, from co-chairing investment councils to joining Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on diplomatic visits. With a rare promotion to field marshal and growing military sway over governance, is Pakistan witnessing a shift in power from elected officials to the military brass? read more Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul, Turkey, May 25, 2025. Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir can be seen sitting to the left of Sharif. Presidential Press Office via Reuters It is increasingly visible now that recent developments have placed Pakistan's military at the forefront of both governance and international engagement. At the centre of this shift is Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, who has emerged as a towering presence beside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — not only in strategic affairs but also on the diplomatic front. From a rare appearance alongside the premier in foreign meetings to being the recipient of a historic military promotion, Munir's expanding role has raised serious questions about the direction of Pakistan's civil-military relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On May 25, Sharif landed in Istanbul to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as part of a broader official tour aimed at consolidating relations with allies. Sharif's agenda included discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism. However, what stood out most was his decision to include Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Munir, in his diplomatic entourage. In a highly unusual protocol move, Sharif introduced Munir to Erdoğan during the high-level talks. Also present were Turkish officials including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. This development attracted attention for its implications — in Pakistan, military leaders do not typically accompany the prime minister on official foreign visits, making this an extraordinary step. Erdoğan's office issued a statement noting that Turkey and Pakistan were committed to enhancing collaboration, particularly in the fields of defence, energy, and transportation. The Turkish side also highlighted the importance of solidarity in education, intelligence cooperation, and technological exchanges to combat terrorism. Erdoğan reiterated Ankara's desire to deepen ties with Islamabad, stating that it was in both countries' strategic interests to coordinate closely. How Turkey sided with Pakistan during recent tensions with India The visit to Turkey comes on the heels of heightened regional tensions between Pakistan and India. The situation escalated following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. India responded with Operation Sindoor — a series of retaliatory military actions on terror targets. Pakistan, in turn, launched its own military response, reportedly under the codename 'Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.' In this context, the Turkish government publicly supported Pakistan's position . Erdoğan's earlier show of solidarity had even prompted informal boycotts of Turkish goods in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, Turkish military presence in Pakistan also grew more visible during this period, with a C-130 Hercules aircraft landing in Karachi on April 27 and a Turkish Ada-class anti-submarine corvette docking at the Karachi port on May 2. While Turkish officials stated these were routine defence activities, reports pointed to the use of Turkish-made drones by Pakistani forces during the confrontation. Munir, while in Istanbul, also held talks with the Turkish Land Forces Commander. Officials said the meetings were part of broader deliberations on bilateral cooperation and regional security issues. Following his stop in Turkey, Sharif is scheduled to visit Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan between May 25 and 30. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the primary goal of the trip is to personally thank 'friendly' countries for their diplomatic and moral support during the standoff with India. Accompanying Sharif are several key figures in his administration, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan makes a mockery of its own narrative While international engagements showcased Pakistan's external outreach, back home, a ceremonial dinner hosted by Munir attracted widespread attention — and criticism. The event, described as a tribute to the resilience of the political leadership and the armed forces, was held in Islamabad shortly before the prime minister's departure abroad. In a dramatic moment during the dinner, Munir presented Sharif with a framed image that was described as a commemorative memento from Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. The picture was claimed to depict Pakistani troops in action against India. However, eagle-eyed social media users quickly identified the photo as originating from a 2017 Chinese military exercise . The revelation prompted widespread ridicule. Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'Apparently the Pakistan Army Chief has gifted PM Shehbaz Sharif a dated Chinese military photo as a souvenir to illustrate Pak Army attack against India. So not just a fake victory narrative but also a fake photo with it. What a joke @OfficialDGISPR.' 🔴 Apparently the Pakistan Army Chief has gifted PM Shehbaz Sharif a dated Chinese military photo as a souvenir to illustrate Pak Army attack against India. So not just a fake victory narrative but also a fake photo with it. What a joke @OfficialDGISPR — Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) May 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The event was attended by an array of dignitaries, including Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, chief ministers, governors, federal ministers and senior officials from the armed forces. Despite the high-profile guest list, the credibility of the occasion was quickly undermined by the social media backlash, turning what was intended as a symbol of unity into a subject of satire. A rare promotion for Munir Adding to Munir's growing prominence, the federal cabinet recently approved a rare elevation of his military rank. Munir was promoted to Field Marshal , a designation not seen in Pakistan since 1959, when Ayub Khan, then the army chief, conferred the title upon himself after seizing political control through a coup. The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office read: 'In recognition of his brilliant military leadership, courage, and bravery, ensuring Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and courageous defence against the enemy, the cabinet approved the prime minister's proposal to promote General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Pakistan, the title of field marshal is typically symbolic and held for life. Munir thus becomes only the second individual in the country's history to hold the rank. A long history of military dominance in Pakistan's governance Pakistan's military has long exerted significant influence over the country's civilian institutions. Since its independence in 1947, the armed forces have directly governed the country for over three decades and have consistently maintained a central role in national policymaking. Though nominally under civilian rule, the perception persists that the real decision-making power lies in Rawalpindi, home to the military's General Headquarters (GHQ). The current scenario reflects that pattern. While civilian leaders like Sharif hold formal authority, the military under Munir appears to be closely steering not just defence and intelligence but also diplomacy and economic planning. Munir also co-chairs the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) with Sharif — a high-level body formed in 2023 to fast-track investments by streamlining bureaucratic processes and bypassing red tape. Despite denials from the military establishment, critics argue that the SIFC institutionalises military involvement in economic governance. The Pakistani military's growing role in civilian affairs has also led to renewed tensions with opposition figures, most notably the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his supporters have repeatedly accused the military of orchestrating crackdowns on party leaders and manipulating the 2024 general election. Although PTI-affiliated candidates ran as independents due to a ban on the party's participation, they ended up winning more seats than any other political group. Still, it was the coalition of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan People's Party that formed the government after post-election negotiations. The PTI has accused both the military and the caretaker government of electoral interference — claims that both the civilian and military leadership deny. The events of the past few weeks offer a revealing snapshot of Pakistan's contemporary governance model. Field Marshal Asim Munir is now at the centre of the country's most consequential decisions. With inputs from agencies
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Turkiye, Pakistan Reaffirm Deep-Rooted Ties, Commit to Boost Trade to US$5 Billion
Turkiye's President Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before their meeting in Istanbul, May 25, 2025. Mustafa Kamaci/Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS ISTANBUL, May 26 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the Dolmabahce Working Office in Istanbul on Sunday, where both leaders reaffirmed the historic ties between the two countries and pledged to boost bilateral trade to US$5 billion. According to a statement by the Turkish Communications Directorate, the two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues during the meeting, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Erdogan expressed satisfaction over hosting Prime Minister Sharif and his delegation, noting that Turkiye and Pakistan shared deep-rooted historical, human, and political relations. 'We confirmed and strengthened our mutual will to enhance the deep-rooted historical, human and political ties between Türkiye and Pakistan in every field,' Erdogan said in a post on the social media platform X. He added that the meeting further consolidated 'our unshakable bonds, cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood between our countries and peoples,' and extended his heartfelt greetings to the Pakistani people. Sharif, in a post on X following the talks, said it was an honour to meet 'my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan' and conveyed the gratitude of the Pakistani people to the Turkish nation. He thanked Erdogan for his 'resolute support' during Pakistan's recent standoff with India, describing it as resulting in an 'overwhelming victory' for Pakistan. The Pakistani prime minister said the two sides reviewed progress in trade and investment cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties. Erdogan added Turkiye would continue to work towards enhancing cooperation in all areas, particularly energy, transportation and defence.
