ISTANBUL: Pakistan and Turkey have reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledging to further deepen cooperation in trade, investment, industry and regional diplomacy during high-level talks in Istanbul on Saturday.
Addressing a joint press conference after the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz described the talks with President Erdogan as comprehensive and forward-looking, saying that the two governments have reviewed practical steps to open up new opportunities for economic cooperation and strengthen institutional ties.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Turkey shared a relationship that has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a partnership rooted in history, mutual trust and unwavering support in difficult times. He said that the friendship between the two countries is growing stronger with each passing year, creating new opportunities for cooperation in several areas.
Highlighting the economic agenda discussed during the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that both sides expressed satisfaction over the increasing momentum in bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation. He stressed that the recent developments reflect the determination of both governments to translate their political goodwill into tangible economic benefits for businesses and citizens.
The Prime Minister said that the existing goodwill between Islamabad and Ankara provides an ideal basis for expanding trade relations, adding that both countries are committed to achieving their shared target of $5 billion in annual bilateral trade. He noted that increased business engagement, increased investment flows and strong institutional coordination will help achieve this goal in the coming years.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also stressed the steadfastness of Pakistan and Turkey in supporting each other on matters of national importance. He praised Ankara’s continued support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their internationally recognised right to self-determination and reiterated Islamabad’s strong support for Turkey’s position on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Referring to regional developments, the Prime Minister said that the two leaders agreed that dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect were the most effective ways to resolve disputes and ensure lasting peace. He stressed that lasting solutions could only be achieved through constructive engagement rather than confrontation.
Shahbaz also thanked the Turkish leadership for supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, especially the peace initiative that resulted in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 18.
Expressing confidence about the future of bilateral relations, the Prime Minister said that the agreements and understandings reached during the visit would go beyond official statements and translate into practical cooperation in trade, investment and strategic areas. He said that both governments are committed to ensuring that the outcomes of the talks bring meaningful benefits to their respective economies and peoples.
“The future of Pakistan-Turkey relations is brighter than ever,” said Shahbaz, adding that the two countries will continue to work together to strengthen their strategic partnership and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Starting his remarks, the prime minister thanked President Erdogan and the Turkish government for the warm welcome extended to the Pakistani delegation. He said that the friendship between Pakistan and Turkey is forged by a shared history, shared values and a tradition of standing together in difficult times.
Recalling the historical ties, Shahbaz highlighted the support extended by Muslims of the Indian subcontinent during Turkey’s war of independence, calling it one of the earliest manifestations of solidarity between the people of the two countries. He said that generations of Pakistanis continue to consider Turkey a reliable friend and a reliable partner internationally.
The Prime Minister said that the Turkish people have consistently stood by Pakistan in times of crisis, be it natural disasters or other national emergencies. He particularly recalled President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan after the devastating floods of 2010, calling it a powerful symbol of brotherhood and humanitarian assistance.
Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the humanitarian initiatives taken by the Turkish government, including the establishment of modern healthcare and educational facilities in Muzaffargarh. According to the Prime Minister, these projects continue to provide quality medical services and education, which are serving as a lasting example.
