Pakistan, Türkiye reaffirm commitment to stronger ties

May 26, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Türkiye reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening multifaceted bilateral cooperation during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s official two-day visit to Türkiye.

The Prime Minister held a warm and cordial meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where both leaders pledged to work closely for regional peace, sustainable development, and the shared prosperity of their peoples.

The discussions reaffirmed the historic and brotherly relationship between the two nations, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for progress, according to the press release issued.

Prime Minister Sharif, accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Türkiye's unwavering support to Pakistan amid recent developments in South Asia, underscoring the strength of the fraternal ties.

He commended Türkiye’s principled stance and the goodwill extended by its people, calling it a source of great comfort and strength for Pakistan.

Highlighting the efforts in defence of the homeland, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the patriotic spirit of the people, particularly in achieving victory during Marak-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

Economic cooperation remained a key focus, with Prime Minister Sharif emphasizing the need to boost collaboration through joint ventures and increased bilateral investment.

He identified renewable energy, information technology, defence production, infrastructure development, and agriculture as promising sectors for mutual engagement.

In their meeting, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and reiterated their shared resolve to elevate the strategic partnership.

They also reviewed progress on key decisions taken during the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Islamabad on 13 February 2025.

A renewed push was made toward achieving the previously agreed goal of $5 billion in annual bilateral trade.

On regional and international issues, Prime Minister Sharif and President Erdogan reaffirmed support for each other’s core concerns, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

They also voiced serious concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to affected civilians.

The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Ambassador to Türkiye Dr. Yusuf Junaid.

President Erdogan hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Sharif and the accompanying delegation, concluding a visit that underscored the strong and evolving partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye.

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