Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a $5 billion bilateral trade target, following comprehensive talks in Istanbul. The leaders also discussed establishing a Special Economic Zone in Karachi for Turkish investors, as part of broader efforts to deepen economic and strategic ties.
Leadership Statements and Strategic Partnership
Speaking at a joint news conference at the Vahdettin Palace, PM Sharif declared, “Türkiye’s success is Pakistan’s success. Pakistan’s progress is Türkiye’s progress.” He thanked Erdogan for his hospitality and quoted Turkish poet Yunus Emre: “A heart makes a good home for the friend,” adding that no words could better describe the relationship between the two nations.
Sharif emphasized that the friendship is forged through “centuries of shared history, common faith, mutual sacrifice and an enduring sense of brotherhood.” He recalled Türkiye’s support during Pakistan’s difficult times, including wars, earthquakes, and floods, and noted Erdogan’s 2010 visit to flood-hit areas and First Lady Emine Erdogan’s assistance to flood victims. “This is why we proudly say Pakistan and Türkiye are two hearts of one soul,” he said.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Target
The two leaders reviewed concrete steps to unlock the full potential of economic cooperation. Sharif expressed satisfaction over growing momentum in trade, investment, and industrial cooperation, saying the goodwill between the countries offers “a unique and ideal opportunity” to achieve the $5 billion trade target. President Erdogan confirmed that work is underway on establishing a Special Economic Zone in Karachi for Turkish investors, and negotiations are ongoing to expand bilateral trade. He described defence cooperation as a key pillar of economic relations and said both countries are committed to expanding cooperation in energy, transportation, critical minerals, and information technology.
Regional Peace and Core Issues
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Türkiye on the issue of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and thanked Ankara for its “principled and unwavering support” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their right to self-determination. The leaders underscored their shared belief that “dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect remain the only sustainable path to resolving disputes and preserving international peace and security.”
President Erdogan congratulated Pakistan for its mediation efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, saying the entire world breathed a sigh of relief. He expressed concern over attempts to undermine the agreement and strongly condemned Israel’s continued attacks on Gaza. Erdogan stressed that lasting solutions can only be achieved through sincere participation of regional countries.
Digital and Technology Cooperation
In a separate meeting with Turkcell CEO Ali Taha Koç, PM Sharif underscored the importance of deepening Pakistan-Türkiye cooperation in digital and technology sectors. He shared the government’s vision of establishing a Pakistan-Türkiye Digital Corridor to strengthen regional digital connectivity, facilitate secure cross-border data flows, and advance digital infrastructure integration. Sharif invited Turkcell to explore long-term collaboration in 5G deployment, network optimization, spectrum management, digital infrastructure, and technology transfer. He also encouraged partnerships in local manufacturing of telecommunications equipment, software development, and digital skills development.
Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a transparent, predictable, and investment-friendly business environment, supported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council. Koç appreciated Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda and expressed Turkcell’s keen interest in exploring opportunities in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
Invitation and Future Steps
PM Sharif extended a warm invitation to President Erdogan to visit Pakistan. The two leaders appreciated close diplomatic coordination during the peace process and underscored the importance of sustained efforts for durable regional peace. They reaffirmed steadfast support for each other’s core issues and expressed commitment to translating decisions into greater trade, stronger investment, deeper strategic cooperation, and a better future for their peoples.
