ISTANBUL, Saturday, July 4, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening its historic strategic partnership with Türkiye, describing the relationship as an enduring bond forged through centuries of shared history, faith, sacrifice and mutual trust, while emphasizing that the decisions taken with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan would translate into deeper economic cooperation, stronger strategic ties and greater regional peace.

Addressing a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following their bilateral meeting at the Vahdettin Palace in Istanbul, the Prime Minister thanked President Erdoğan for his warm welcome and generous hospitality, describing it as “always a pleasure” to visit the historic city of Istanbul, “where history meets modernity and the cultures of East and West flourish side by side.”

Quoting the renowned Turkish mystic Yunus Emre, the Prime Minister said, “A heart makes the best home for a friend,” adding that no words better reflected the relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye.

“Pakistan has always found a home in the hearts of the Turkish people, just as Türkiye lives in the hearts of every Pakistani,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the exceptional friendship between the two nations had been shaped through centuries of common history, shared faith, mutual sacrifices and an unbreakable spirit of brotherhood.

Recalling the historical bonds between the two peoples, he said Muslims of the Indian subcontinent, led by the Ali Brothers, had stood firmly alongside the Turkish people during Türkiye’s War of Independence.

He noted that countless families had donated their savings and valuables in support of the Turkish struggle, adding that history had witnessed Türkiye later reciprocating that generosity with even greater compassion whenever Pakistan faced difficult times.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Türkiye’s unwavering support during Pakistan’s wars, devastating earthquakes and catastrophic floods, recalling President Erdoğan’s personal visit to flood-hit Muzaffargarh during the 2010 floods.

He also praised First Lady Emine Erdoğan’s heartfelt donation of her personal necklace for Pakistan’s flood victims, describing it as a gesture that deeply touched millions of Pakistanis and became a lasting symbol of Türkiye’s sincere affection for Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz further acknowledged Türkiye’s humanitarian assistance under President Erdoğan’s leadership, including the establishment by Turkish Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) of the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Hospital, the Emine Erdoğan School and model villages in Muzaffargarh.

“These institutions continue to serve our people and stand as enduring monuments to the compassion and brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye,” he said.

Declaring that “Pakistan and Türkiye are two hearts with one soul,” the Prime Minister highlighted the shared intellectual and spiritual heritage of the two countries, particularly the lasting influence of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and Pakistan’s national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

He noted with pride that Allama Iqbal, who regarded Rumi as his spiritual guide, is honoured with a symbolic resting place beside the great Sufi scholar in Konya, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the two nations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz paid glowing tribute to President Erdoğan’s leadership, describing him as one of the most visionary and courageous leaders of the contemporary world.

He said President Erdoğan’s leadership over the past two decades had transformed Türkiye economically, technologically and strategically while strengthening its independent voice and elevating its stature as a major regional and global power.

“Pakistan deeply values President Erdoğan’s friendship, wisdom, steadfast guidance and unwavering support,” he added.

Referring to the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Conference held earlier in the day, the Prime Minister said he was greatly encouraged by the optimism, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by Türkiye’s vibrant business community.

He said both leaders had held comprehensive discussions covering trade, investment and industrial cooperation and reviewed practical measures aimed at unlocking the full potential of bilateral economic relations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated that the immense goodwill between the two countries provided an ideal opportunity to achieve the mutually agreed bilateral trade target of US$5 billion.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled foreign policy positions, the Prime Minister said Pakistan would continue to firmly support the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, just as Türkiye had consistently extended unwavering support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their internationally recognized right to self-determination.

The Prime Minister said both leaders reaffirmed their shared conviction that dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect remained the only sustainable means of resolving disputes and preserving international peace and security.

He expressed profound appreciation for Türkiye’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s regional peace initiatives, which, he said, had culminated in the signing of the historic Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Looking ahead, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed confidence that the future of Pakistan-Türkiye relations was exceptionally promising.

“The decisions we have taken today will not remain words on paper. They will translate into greater trade, stronger investment, deeper strategic cooperation and, above all, a brighter future for our peoples,” he said.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the bilateral partnership, the Prime Minister declared, “Türkiye’s success is Pakistan’s success, and Pakistan’s progress is Türkiye’s progress.”

Concluding his remarks with another quotation from Maulana Rumi, Prime Minister Shehbaz said although nations may speak different languages and live in different lands, “the lamps are different, but the light is the same.”

He said the shared values of faith, compassion, mutual respect and enduring brotherhood would continue to guide Pakistan and Türkiye toward greater peace, prosperity and shared success.

The Prime Minister concluded his address by proclaiming in Turkish: “Yaşasın Pakistan-Türkiye kardeşliği ve dostluğu” (Long live the brotherhood and friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye).