PM Shahbaz, Turkish President Erdogan Strengthen Pakistan-Turkiye Strategic Ties

Report By Syed Farzand Ali

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a high-level meeting in Islamabad, focusing on bilateral trade, defense, investment, and regional stability.

During the visit, President Erdogan was accorded a Guard of Honour, witnessed a PAF flypast, and planted a friendship tree at the Prime Minister’s House.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting:

✅ Economic & Trade Expansion – Both leaders agreed to boost business collaborations in agriculture, technology, energy, and infrastructure, encouraging Turkish investment in Pakistan.

✅ 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) – Pakistan and Turkiye reviewed progress in nine key sectors, with new standing committees on Health & IT presenting reports.

✅ Defense & Security Partnership – Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir participated in discussions, emphasizing defense and counterterrorism cooperation.

✅ Palestine & Kashmir Support – PM Shehbaz praised Turkiye’s stance on Kashmir and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, advocating a two-state solution.

Major Agreements & Recognitions:

📜 24 MoUs and Agreements signed across media, culture, and technology.
🚏 Islamabad interchange named after President Erdogan, symbolizing Pakistan-Turkiye friendship.

This landmark visit reinforces Pakistan-Turkiye ties, unlocking new avenues for strategic collaboration in trade, security, and regional diplomacy.