ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, July 9, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday received the visiting Turkish Ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Defence, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to elevating ties with Türkiye into a full-fledged strategic partnership.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Güler called on the Prime Minister during their official visit to Islamabad. The high-level meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. (R) Muhammad Asim Malik, and other senior officials.

Welcoming the Turkish delegation, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the deep-rooted, fraternal relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, grounded in shared history, culture, and mutual respect. He expressed satisfaction with the upward trajectory of bilateral ties and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, technology, and defence.

The Prime Minister recalled his recent meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, including their interaction on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit, underscoring the mutual desire to transform bilateral relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

He welcomed the convening of the Pak-Türkiye Joint Commission meeting, co-chaired by Senator Ishaq Dar and Minister Hakan Fidan, expressing confidence that it would inject further momentum into bilateral cooperation.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other’s core interests and emphasized the importance of close coordination in light of evolving regional and global challenges, especially concerning the situations in Gaza and Iran. Prime Minister Sharif also expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its steadfast support during recent Indian aggression.

Calling for enhanced economic collaboration, the Prime Minister stressed the need to increase bilateral trade to the target of USD 5 billion. He invited Turkish businesses to take advantage of Pakistan’s investor-friendly environment and contribute to the country’s structural reforms and development efforts.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Islamabad late Tuesday night and was received by Additional Secretary (West Asia) Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani. During his visit, he held wide-ranging discussions with Pakistani counterparts on key bilateral and regional issues.

Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler, who also arrived Tuesday, held meetings focused on strengthening defence cooperation and regional security coordination.

Following the conclusion of their successful engagements, the two Turkish ministers departed from Islamabad on Wednesday. Ambassador Gillani was present at the airport to see them off.

The visit reaffirmed the enduring brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye and signaled a shared vision for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.