ANKARA: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepen strategic ties and jointly promote peace, development, and prosperity in the region. The commitment was reiterated during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Pakistani premier’s two-day visit to Ankara.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations and vowed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors. The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement highlighting that the talks underscored the historic and fraternal ties between the two countries and their shared resolve to strengthen strategic collaboration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the urgent need to boost economic cooperation, particularly through joint ventures and mutual investments. He called for enhanced connectivity, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. He also encouraged collaborative efforts in the fields of energy, mining, defence production, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and cyber security.
During the discussions, the two leaders reviewed the progress on decisions made at the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting held in Islamabad on February 13, 2025. Both sides welcomed the follow-up actions already taken and emphasized the need for swift implementation of the remaining agenda.
Discussion of Key Regional and Global Issues
The leaders showed optimism over the increasing trajectory of multifaceted bilateral engagement. They discussed key regional and global issues, reaffirming their mutual support on matters of national importance. This reaffirmation further consolidated the strategic alignment between Islamabad and Ankara.
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On the humanitarian front, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan voiced deep concern over the worsening situation in Gaza. Both leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to the affected Palestinian population. President Erdogan acknowledged Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and praised its ongoing humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza.
The meeting also served as a platform to reiterate the shared vision of both countries for regional peace and collective growth. Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to continue working closely on platforms of mutual interest and international forums to advance the causes of peace, justice, and economic cooperation.
The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr. Yusuf Junaid.
In a gesture of goodwill and fraternity, President Erdogan hosted a banquet in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation, reinforcing the warmth and mutual respect that define Pakistan-Turkiye relations.
This visit marks another significant step in the enduring partnership between the two brotherly nations, setting a solid foundation for future cooperation in strategic, economic, and humanitarian domains.
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