Turkey to Intensify Diplomatic Efforts to Restore Afghanistan–Pakistan Ceasefire

TURKEY: According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish President Erdoğan stated that Ankara will intensify its diplomatic efforts to revive the ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate reported that Erdoğan discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the security situation in a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the call, the two sides reviewed the latest tensions and possible ways to reduce the crisis. President Erdoğan emphasized that returning to the path of diplomacy and resuming the ceasefire could play an important role in easing tensions and strengthening regional stability. He also stated that Turkey is ready to continue playing a supportive and facilitative role within peace-oriented efforts to prevent further escalation of conflict between the two neighboring countries. Meanwhile, the Turkish Presidential Communications Directorate announced that part of the phone consultation focused on developments in the Middle East following the escalation of tensions after the joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Turkey has previously participated as a mediator in establishing a ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan and continues to emphasize the continuation of its diplomatic initiatives to consolidate and strengthen this process.