ISTANBUL, Sunday, May 25, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan and Turkiye on Sunday reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to further deepening their multifaceted cooperation and elevating the strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations to new heights.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, currently on a two-day official visit to Turkiye, held a warm and cordial meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the historic Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. The engagement underscored the enduring, time-tested relationship between the two countries, rooted in shared values, mutual trust, and a common vision for peace and prosperity.

During the high-level talks, both leaders reiterated their resolve to work closely for regional peace, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. They reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on enhancing economic ties, defence collaboration, and cultural exchanges.

The prime minister, accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Turkiye for their consistent and principled support during recent developments in South Asia. He acknowledged Turkiye’s solidarity as a source of great strength for the people of Pakistan.

Highlighting Pakistan’s recent strategic and operational successes, Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to the courage and commitment of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the unwavering patriotism of its citizens. He noted that the decisive outcomes of Operation Marak-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos reflected Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and regional peace.

The discussions also centered on expanding economic cooperation, with Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasizing the importance of joint ventures and increased bilateral investments in sectors such as renewable energy, information technology, defence production, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Both sides agreed to accelerate progress toward achieving the US\$5 billion bilateral trade target, as outlined during the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) session held in Islamabad in February 2025.

On the geopolitical front, the two leaders expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to the affected population. They also reaffirmed their principled positions on each other’s core national interests, including Turkiye’s continued support for the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye, Dr. Yusuf Junaid. President Erdogan hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting dignitaries, further reflecting the warmth of bilateral relations.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz took to social media platform X, stating:

> “Had the honour of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff, which resulted in Pakistan’s overwhelming victory. Alhamdolillah!”

He also conveyed heartfelt sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters, reiterating the deep bond of fraternity and shared destiny between the two nations.

The visit to Turkiye marks the first leg of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-nation tour, which includes Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. The purpose of the trip is to consolidate bilateral cooperation and express appreciation to regional partners for their support to Pakistan in recent international developments.

Prime Minister Shehbaz departed for Tehran on Monday morning, where he is scheduled to meet Iranian leadership to discuss matters of mutual interest. At the airport, he was seen off by Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, Deputy Governor of Istanbul Ilker Haktankacmaz, President of the Pakistan-Turkiye Cultural Association Burhan Kayaturk, and senior officials of both countries.

The prime minister’s visit to Turkiye stands as a testament to the enduring brotherhood and strategic alignment between Islamabad and Ankara, with both sides looking ahead to a future of greater cooperation and shared progress.