ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the first stop of his four-nation tour, arrived in Turkiye on Sunday, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to express gratitude for Ankara’s support during recent tensions with India and to bolster bilateral economic cooperation.
A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office stated that both leaders reiterated their principled support for each other’s core concerns, including the Kashmir dispute.
During their meeting, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of joint ventures and enhanced bilateral investments, particularly in key sectors such as renewable energy, IT, defense production, infrastructure development, and agriculture.
The two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership. They also followed up on the implementation of key decisions from the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) session, held in Islamabad on February 13. Both sides agreed to take concrete steps toward achieving the previously agreed annual bilateral trade target of $5 billion.
In addition to bilateral issues, PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan also discussed major regional and international developments. They expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urgently called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.
Accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt thanks to the Turkish government and people for their unwavering support of Pakistan during recent South Asian tensions. He praised Turkiye’s principled position and the strong outpouring of support from the Turkish public, calling it a source of comfort and strength for Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also underscored the bravery, resolve, and sacrifice of Pakistan’s armed forces during the Marak-i-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, crediting these qualities for Pakistan’s decisive military success.
According to state-run PTV News, the meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi. Both leaders later presided over a delegation-level meeting.
Upon arrival at the airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Defence Minister Yashar Guler, Istanbul Deputy Governor Erdogan Turan Ermis, Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkiye Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Istanbul Nouman Aslam, and other diplomats.
Following his two-day visit to Turkiye, PM Shehbaz will travel to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan over the coming week. In these countries, he is expected to hold “wide-ranging discussions” and express Pakistan’s gratitude for their support during its recent conflict with India.
According to Dawn.com, in Tajikistan, the final stop on his tour, the Prime Minister will also participate in the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, set for May 29-30.
The trip comes shortly after Pakistan and India agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire following a brief military standoff. During the crisis, the Iranian foreign minister visited both countries to mediate. The Prime Minister’s engagements in these four countries will address bilateral ties as well as broader regional and international issues, according to the Foreign Office.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity: Pakistan-Uzbekistan Talks
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich on Sunday, discussing the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project. Both sides expressed optimism about finalizing the framework agreement for this critical regional connectivity initiative and exchanged views on regional developments.
