Pakistan, Türkiye aim to boost strategic ties, trade

May 26, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Türkiye have pledged to elevate their strategic partnership to greater heights and take steps to achieve the $5 billion annual bilateral trade target agreed earlier by the two leaders.

This was discussed during a warm and cordial meeting held in Istanbul today between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.

They also followed up on the implementation of key decisions taken during the seventh session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council held in Islamabad on 13 February 2025.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Türkiye for their unwavering support to Pakistan during recent developments in South Asia.

He lauded Türkiye's principled stance and the outpouring of goodwill from the Turkish people, calling it a source of great comfort and strength for Pakistan, as per the press releae issued.

Highlighting the success of Pakistan in Marak-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the Prime Minister praised the armed forces for their commitment, courage, and spirit of sacrifice, and acknowledged the resolute patriotism of the people of Pakistan.

The two leaders emphasized the need to further enhance economic cooperation, especially through joint ventures and increased bilateral investment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif identified key sectors such as renewable energy, Information Technology, defense production, infrastructure development, and agriculture as areas of mutual interest and potential.

On regional and international issues, both leaders reaffirmed their principled support for each other's core concerns, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

They also voiced deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected population.

The engagement reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for progress and prosperity.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to deepen multifaceted cooperation and work closely for regional peace, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.

President Erdogan also hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the accompanying delegation.

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