ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their strategic partnership, following a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Sunday. The leaders vowed to elevate bilateral ties to new heights, with a focus on multifaceted cooperation across various sectors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and senior cabinet members, is currently on a two-day official visit to Turkiye as part of his broader four-nation regional tour. The Prime Minister’s Office described the meeting as “warm and most cordial,” reflecting the deep-rooted and brotherly relationship between the two countries.
During the talks, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and reiterated their principled support for each other’s core concerns. President Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiye’s backing of Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute, while Shehbaz extended gratitude to the Turkish government and people for their steadfast support during Pakistan’s recent conflict with India, particularly during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the Turkish people’s solidarity, calling it a “source of great comfort and strength” for Pakistan. He also highlighted the valor and sacrifice demonstrated by Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens during the conflict.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including energy, defence production, information technology, infrastructure, and agriculture. The two sides also reviewed the implementation of key decisions taken during the seventh session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held earlier this year in Islamabad.
In addition to bilateral matters, regional and global developments were discussed. Shehbaz and Erdogan voiced serious concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to Palestinian civilians affected by the violence.
The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye, Dr Yusuf Junaid.
President Erdogan also hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two nations.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the engagement reaffirmed the “historic, brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for peace and prosperity.”
