Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Istanbul on Wednesday, declaring that the progress of their two nations is interconnected. The leaders discussed expanding bilateral trade and defence cooperation, according to a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. They reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and agreed to further enhance cooperation in trade, investment, defence, and culture. PM Sharif congratulated Erdogan on his recent election victory and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening ties with Turkiye.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
The two sides discussed ways to increase bilateral trade volume, which currently stands at around $1.4 billion. They expressed satisfaction with the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and hoped for its early conclusion. Both leaders also agreed to explore new avenues for economic collaboration, including in the fields of information technology, tourism, and energy.
Defence and Security Partnership
Defence cooperation was a major focus of the talks. Pakistan and Turkiye have a long history of military collaboration, including joint exercises and defence production. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence ties and discussed the possibility of joint ventures in defence manufacturing. They also exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan and the Kashmir dispute.
Regional and Global Issues
PM Sharif and President Erdogan also discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest. They underscored the importance of peace and stability in South Asia and the Middle East. On the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, Erdogan reiterated Turkiye's support for a peaceful resolution in accordance with UN resolutions. Both leaders also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
The leaders highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts in strengthening bilateral relations. They appreciated the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Turkiye and agreed to facilitate greater interaction between the youth of both countries.
According to the statement, PM Sharif invited President Erdogan to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. Erdogan accepted the invitation, and the dates will be finalized through diplomatic channels.
