Pakistan and Turkiye have reiterated their unwavering commitment to mutual support and announced a shared resolve to elevate bilateral trade to an ambitious $5 billion. This significant pledge was made during a joint press conference in Istanbul featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following comprehensive discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues.
President Erdogan warmly welcomed the Pakistani delegation, expressing satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral relations. He particularly highlighted the importance of the recently signed US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for global peace, cautioning against any attempts to undermine the agreement. Erdogan further commended Pakistan’s steadfast efforts towards regional peace, prosperity, and economic development, stressing the need to expand trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation between the two nations.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed gratitude for Turkiye’s hospitality, emphasizing the deep-rooted and enduring bond between Pakistan and Turkiye. He recalled Turkiye’s consistent solidarity with Pakistan, especially during challenging times such as the May 2025 conflict with India and various natural disasters. The Prime Minister also pointed to Turkiye’s crucial support in enabling Pakistan’s mediatory role in the US-Iran conflict, which ultimately led to a ceasefire.
Both leaders underscored their commitment to achieving the $5 billion bilateral trade target. PM Sharif shared insights from his meetings with Turkish business leaders, noting the potential for robust collaboration. President Erdogan further outlined plans to deepen cooperation across key sectors including energy, transport, critical minerals, information technology, and defence, reinforcing the strategic partnership between Islamabad and Ankara.
