ISTANBUL, Turkiye – (Web Desk) Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and increasing annual trade to $5 billion, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged to stand by each other during challenging times.
Addressing a joint press conference in Istanbul after high-level talks, President Erdogan welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation, describing Pakistan as a close friend and trusted partner. He said discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and key global issues.
“We always stand by each other,” President Erdogan said, expressing satisfaction over the growing momentum in Pakistan-Turkiye relations.
The Turkish leader also highlighted the importance of the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding involving the United States and Iran, describing it as a positive step toward global peace. He praised Pakistan’s efforts in promoting peace, economic development, and regional prosperity.
Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, defense, and economic development, while reaffirming their shared goal of increasing bilateral trade volume to $5 billion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked President Erdogan for the warm hospitality and emphasized that Pakistan and Turkiye share historic, brotherly ties built on mutual trust and unwavering support.
He noted that Turkiye has consistently stood with Pakistan during times of conflict, natural disasters, and other national challenges.
The prime minister also referred to his meetings with leading Turkish business leaders during the Pakistan-Turkiye Business Forum, expressing confidence that stronger private-sector collaboration would help achieve the ambitious trade target and unlock new investment opportunities.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening strategic cooperation across multiple sectors while continuing close coordination on regional and international issues.
