Pakistan and Turkiye on Saturday resolved to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, with a special emphasis on trade, investment, energy, petroleum exploration, minerals, and information technology, while reaffirming their commitment to realize the mutually agreed trade target of USD 5 billion.
High-Level Meeting in Istanbul
The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed during a “warm and cordial” bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who is on an official visit to Turkiye, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Vahdettin Palace. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar along with other ministers and senior officials from both sides.
Historic and Brotherly Ties
The two leaders reaffirmed the historic and brotherly ties binding Pakistan and Turkiye, and expressed their shared satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. They engaged in comprehensive discussions on the entire range of issues and expressed their common resolve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, with special emphasis on trade and investment, energy cooperation, offshore and onshore petroleum exploration, mines and minerals, and information technology.
Trade Target of USD 5 Billion
Both leaders reaffirmed their desire to realize the mutually agreed trade target of USD 5 billion. Exchanging views on important regional and global developments, President Erdogan appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the US that resulted in the signing of the historic Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Erdogan for his strong support for Pakistan’s peace efforts.
Regional Peace and Diplomatic Coordination
The two leaders also appreciated the close diplomatic coordination between the two countries during the peace process and underscored the importance of sustained efforts to ensure durable and lasting peace in the region. They reaffirmed Pakistan and Turkiye’s steadfast support for each other’s core issues.
Upcoming High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council
While looking forward to the 8th meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council that would be held in Turkiye later this year, the prime minister extended a warm and cordial invitation to President Erdogan to undertake a visit to Pakistan.
