ISTANBUL, May 25 (APP): Pakistan and Turkiye on Sunday made a renewed commitment to further deepen the multifaceted cooperation, reiterating the resolve to elevate the strategic partnership to greater heights.
The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan here, which reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for progress and prosperity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, who arrived on an official two-day visit to Turkiye, held a “warm and most cordial” meeting with President Erdogan wherein they pledged to continue working closely for regional peace, sustainable development, and the shared prosperity of their peoples.
The prime minister, who was accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Turkiye for their unwavering support to Pakistan during the recent developments in South Asia, underscoring the strength of the fraternal bonds between the two nations.
He lauded Turkiye’s principled stance and the outpouring of support of goodwill of the Turkish people for Pakistan and termed it as a source of great comfort and strength for Pakistan.
The prime minister highlighted the commitment, courage and the spirit of sacrifice of the Pakistan armed forces and the resolute patriotism of the people of Pakistan that was demonstrated in an unprecedented manner which contributed greatly to Pakistan’s overwhelming victory in Marak-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in the defence of their homeland.
Emphasizing the need to further strengthen economic cooperation, particularly through joint ventures and enhanced bilateral investment, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted key sectors including renewable energy, information technology, defence production, infrastructure development, and agriculture as areas of mutual interest and potential.
The two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reiterated their resolve to elevate the strategic partnership to greater heights.
They also followed up on the implementation of key decisions taken during the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Islamabad on 13 February 2025. Both sides agreed to take steps for achieving 5 billion USD annual bilateral trade target as agreed earlier by the two leaders.
In addition to bilateral issues, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan discussed pressing regional and international developments. Both leaders reaffirmed their principled support for each other’s core concerns, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
They also expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected Palestinian population.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Information & Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr. Yusuf Junaid were also part of Pakistan’s delegation.
President Erdogan also hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the accompanying delegation.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz took to X, thanking President Erdogan for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff which resulted in Pakistan’s overwhelming victory.
“Had the honor of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff, which resulted in Pakistan’s overwhelming victory. Alhamdolillah!” he wrote on his timeline
The prime minister also conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters.
He said that during their meeting, both sides also reviewed the ongoing progress of multifaceted bilateral engagements particularly in trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen the unshakable bond of brotherhood and cooperation.