Ankara – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Turkiye on Tuesday for a two-day official visit, following an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The visit aims to strengthen the already close ties between the two nations across various sectors including trade, defence, and diplomacy.
Upon landing in Ankara, PM Shehbaz posted on X:
“Pakistan and Türkiye share a unique and historic bond, deeply etched in the hearts of our people. United by trust and shared values, we carry a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity.”
The prime minister is joined by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.
During the visit, both leaders are expected to engage in detailed discussions on bilateral relations, regional developments, and international issues of mutual interest, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
Pakistan and Turkiye maintain a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) — a top-level forum for collaboration, established in 2009. The 7th session of HLSCC was co-chaired by President Erdogan and PM Shehbaz in Islamabad in February, where both countries agreed to expand trade under their Goods Trade Agreement and explore opportunities for Turkish investment, including a proposed special economic zone in Pakistan.
This visit continues the momentum of high-level engagement between the two countries. In February, President Asif Ali Zardari also met Erdogan in Istanbul during a brief stopover, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation, including in counter-terrorism efforts.
The ongoing dialogue highlights the strategic and multifaceted partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye, rooted in shared history, cultural ties, and mutual support on key international issues such as Kashmir and Cyprus.
