ANKARA: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening their strategic partnership, aiming to promote peace, stability, development, and prosperity across the region. This came during a high-level bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held during the Pakistani premier’s two-day official visit to Turkiye.
The meeting underscored the enduring fraternal ties between the two brotherly nations and highlighted their shared vision for closer cooperation across multiple sectors. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of multifaceted bilateral relations and reiterated their resolve to further enhance collaboration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif particularly stressed the need to boost economic ties through joint ventures and increased bilateral investments. He identified significant opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as energy and mining, defense manufacturing, agricultural production, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The Prime Minister also advocated for enhanced regional and bilateral connectivity to facilitate trade and deepen people-to-people exchanges.
Both leaders took stock of the progress made since the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), which was held in Islamabad on February 13, 2025. They expressed satisfaction with the follow-up actions undertaken to implement the Council’s decisions.
A notable development during the visit was the signing of a bidding agreement between Pakistan and Turkiye for offshore oil and gas exploration, reflecting growing energy sector collaboration.
On regional and global matters, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan reaffirmed their mutual support on issues of national importance. They also voiced deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian assistance to the affected population. President Erdogan commended Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and its continued humanitarian efforts.
The Pakistani delegation accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr. Yusuf Junaid.
As a mark of the warm ties between the two countries, President Erdogan hosted a banquet in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation, reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship and commitment to advancing shared goals.
