Ankara: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the historic strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye, with a pledge to enhance cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors, including trade, energy, security, and humanitarian efforts.
During a joint press interaction in Ankara, Prime Minister Sharif said his visit to the historic Turkish capital offered an important opportunity to review the progress on targets set during the 7th Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council held in Islamabad earlier this year. He emphasized both countries’ resolve to translate these commitments into concrete action, particularly in energy, information technology, infrastructure, and the mining and minerals sectors.
Expressing confidence in the two nations’ shared vision, the prime minister stated that they aim to boost bilateral trade to US$5 billion. He noted that defence and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the Pakistan-Turkiye relationship and thanked Turkiye for its steadfast support in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.
Referring to a recent terror attack on a passenger train in Balochistan, Sharif condemned the brutal killing of innocent civilians by BLA and TTP militants. He urged both nations to intensify joint efforts to combat terrorism globally, so that peace and stability may prevail.
The two leaders also discussed key regional and global developments, particularly the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Both condemned the killing of over 50,000 Palestinians and called for an immediate ceasefire, as well as the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. They reiterated their shared support for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital.
Sharif praised the leadership of President Erdogan, calling him a symbol of strength and inspiration for the Muslim world. He credited Erdogan’s political journey with transforming Turkiye into a resilient economy and a respected global voice. The prime minister also expressed appreciation for the Turkish government’s humanitarian assistance during Pakistan’s devastating floods in 2010 and 2022, including the establishment of mobile hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers in Punjab and Sindh.
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Pakistan’s continued support for the Turkish Cypriot people was reaffirmed, and both sides pledged to maintain close coordination at international platforms such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Sharif extended his condolences for the lives lost in a recent road accident in Turkiye and wished the injured a swift recovery.
President Erdogan warmly welcomed the Pakistani delegation and highlighted the progress achieved since his own visit to Islamabad earlier this year, when the two nations signed 25 agreements spanning energy, science, health, education, and defence. He expressed satisfaction over their implementation and reiterated Turkiye’s strong interest in joint investment projects and the promotion of free economic zones in Pakistan.
The Turkish president emphasized Turkiye’s support for Pakistan’s stance on global issues, especially Palestine, and stressed the importance of working together for regional peace. He also announced plans to expand trilateral cooperation between Turkiye, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan in multiple fields.
Both leaders expressed optimism that this visit would mark a new chapter in bilateral ties and result in tangible outcomes for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
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