Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a crucial meeting in Istanbul on Sunday. Both leaders vowed to deepen the longstanding, brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye.
PM Shehbaz arrived in Turkiye on an official visit and was warmly received. He held delegation-level talks with President Erdogan on May 25, 2025.
The leaders pledged close collaboration on regional peace, shared prosperity, and sustainable development. They reaffirmed that Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy a historic friendship rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a joint vision for progress.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatimi joined the meeting.
PM Shehbaz expressed heartfelt thanks to Turkiye for its unwavering support amid recent regional tensions. He praised the Turkish government and people for standing with Pakistan during the Pakistan-India standoff.
He especially lauded Turkiye’s principled stance and public expressions of goodwill. “Your support gave us great strength and comfort,” said PM Shehbaz.
The prime minister also paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and patriotic citizens. He highlighted their courage and sacrifices that led to Pakistan’s decisive victory in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marak-e-Haq.
Both leaders reviewed the full scope of bilateral relations. They stressed the importance of enhancing economic cooperation through joint ventures, trade, and investment.
Key sectors identified for collaboration included renewable energy, information technology, defence production, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
They agreed to take practical steps to achieve the $5 billion annual bilateral trade target. The goal was previously set by both leaders during the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) session in Islamabad on February 13, 2025.
President Erdogan and PM Shehbaz also followed up on key decisions from the HLSCC meeting. They reiterated their determination to elevate the strategic partnership to new heights.
The two leaders discussed global and regional developments, including the Kashmir issue. Both reaffirmed support for each other’s core national concerns.
President Erdogan hosted an official dinner for PM Shehbaz and his delegation. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted ties and mutual trust between the two nations.
Later, PM Shehbaz posted on X, thanking President Erdogan for Turkiye’s support. “Conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters,” he wrote.
He further added, “We reviewed the progress in trade and investment and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation.”
This visit marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Turkiye relations, aimed at expanding strategic, economic, and defence cooperation for shared regional peace and prosperity.