Ankara (Web Desk): Pakistan and Turkiye on Tuesday expressing satisfaction on the positive trajectory of multifaceted bilateral relations, reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral strategic partnership, fostering peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region.
Addressing a joint press stakeout on Tuesday in Ankara, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated to further foster, deepen and diversify the bilateral strategic cooperation between the two brotherly countries by enhancing cooperation in diverse fields.
PM Shehbaz described the visit as a significant opportunity to evaluate progress since the 7th Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting held in Islamabad earlier this year.
He emphasized that both governments are aligned in their ambition to transform strategic targets into actionable results, with a shared aspiration to elevate bilateral trade to five billion US dollars.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the crucial role of defence and security collaboration in the overall partnership.
He also expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s consistent backing in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, referencing a recent terrorist attack on a passenger train in Balochistan as an example of the ongoing threat.
The two leaders also engaged in extensive discussions on international developments, particularly focusing on the crisis unfolding in the Middle East. Sharif and Erdogan voiced deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over 50,000 civilians—including women and children—have lost their lives.
Both leaders strongly condemned the violence and called for an immediate ceasefire along with unobstructed humanitarian aid to affected Palestinians.
They reiterated their support for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital, as outlined by longstanding United Nations and Organization of Islamic Cooperation resolutions.
PM Shehbaz noted that global alliances are undergoing significant transformations, giving rise to new diplomatic and economic alignments.
He praised the Turkish leadership for standing firm with the Muslim world in such turbulent times, expressing admiration for President Erdogan’s ability to inspire and unify his people.
PM Shehbaz characterized President Erdogan as a courageous leader whose decades-long political journey has helped transform Turkiye into a formidable regional power with an assertive voice on global matters.
In recalling Turkiye’s generosity during past crises, PM Shehbaz thanked Erdogan and the Turkish First Lady for their personal involvement in supporting Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2010 and 2022.
He acknowledged their country’s contributions, including the provision of mobile hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and temporary schools in hard-hit areas of Punjab and Sindh.
The visit also served as an occasion for Pakistan to reaffirm its appreciation for Turkiye’s steadfast support on the Kashmir dispute, while pledging continued backing for Turkish efforts in Northern Cyprus.
Both nations agreed to intensify coordination on international platforms such as the United Nations and OIC.
Addressing the joint press stake, President Erdogan, extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation and recalled his own recent trip to Pakistan for the high-level council meeting.
He noted that the comprehensive agreements signed during that visit—spanning sectors like energy, education, healthcare, water management, and defence—are in various stages of implementation and offer immense potential for bilateral growth.
President Erdogan expressed particular interest in expanding Turkish investment in Pakistan through joint ventures and free economic zones, reflecting a shared intent to unlock new avenues of economic cooperation.
He reaffirmed Turkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan in its ongoing counter-terrorism operations and offered condolences for the lives lost in recent attacks.
The Turkish president also emphasized the alignment of both countries’ views on global issues, especially their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
He underscored the importance of continued trilateral cooperation between Turkiye, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, signaling that future collaborations in multiple fields are already under consideration.
The evening concluded with a formal banquet hosted by President Erdogan in honor of Prime Minister Sharif and his accompanying delegation, underlining the strength of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz arrived in Turkiye with a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and SAPM Tariq Fatemi.
