ISTANBUL: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye, pledging to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence and regional peace while reiterating their shared target of increasing annual bilateral trade to $5 billion.
In this regard, Prime Minister Shehbaz described his discussions with President Erdoğan as “comprehensive and productive” and said both sides reviewed practical measures to unlock the full potential of economic cooperation.
The prime minister said the growing momentum in bilateral trade, investment and industrial collaboration reflected that Pakistan-Türkiye economic relations were entering a new phase.
He expressed confidence that the strong goodwill between the two countries would help achieve the mutually agreed trade target of $5 billion.
In this sense, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Türkiye had always stood by each other during times of need. Referring to the relationship as one of “two hearts with one soul,” he said both nations shared a unique bond built on common history, mutual trust and enduring friendship.
Moreover, prime minister thanked Türkiye for its continued support to Pakistan during natural disasters and other challenging periods, recalling President Erdoğan’s humanitarian assistance following the 2010 floods.
He also acknowledged the establishment of the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Hospital, Emine Erdoğan School and model villages in Muzaffargarh as lasting symbols of Turkish solidarity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated Türkiye’s consistent support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Türkiye on the issue of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
He stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect remained the only sustainable path to resolving disputes and ensuring regional peace.
The premier also thanked Türkiye for supporting Pakistan’s peace efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18, saying the agreement had contributed to reducing regional tensions.
President Erdoğan said both countries had reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the $5 billion annual trade target and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in investment, defence, energy, transportation, critical minerals and information technology.
He said work was continuing on establishing a Special Economic Zone in Karachi and expanding the scope of the existing Preferential Trade Agreement to facilitate greater commercial activity.
