Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif arrives in Turkey for important talks with Erdogan

Dubai: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Turkey on Tuesday for a two-day official visit, following an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The visit is aimed at further strengthening the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and Turkey, built on shared history, culture, and religion.

In a message on X, Sharif expressed his excitement about the visit, stating he had “just landed in Ankara” and was eager to meet with President Erdogan. He highlighted the “unique and historic bond” between the two nations, emphasising the deep-rooted trust and shared values that unite both countries.

“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 — a partnership that has stood the test of time and continues to grow stronger with each passing day,” he added.

This visit follows recent high-level exchanges, including a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and President Erdogan in February, which focused on enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation.

Bilateral dialogue

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the Prime Minister’s visit marks an important chapter in the ongoing bilateral dialogue. PM Shehbaz will engage in detailed discussions with President Erdogan and his Turkish counterpart on a wide range of issues, including recent regional developments.

Accompanying the Prime Minister are Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.

The visit also highlights the continuous strengthening of institutionalised cooperation between the two nations. The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), a key forum established in 2009 to guide bilateral relations, is a significant platform for collaboration, Dawn reported.

In February of this year, the seventh session of HLSCC was held in Islamabad, co-chaired by President Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz.

$5billion trade

During that session, the two countries agreed to expand the scope of their trade agreement, with the ambitious target of reaching $5 billion in bilateral trade. They also explored opportunities for Turkish companies to develop a special economic zone in Pakistan. The HLSCC covers a broad range of issues including trade, defence, energy, agriculture, health, and education.

Cooperation

The ongoing dialogue reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the multifaceted partnership between Pakistan and Turkey. The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to further elevate these ties, with both sides keen to continue building on their long-standing strategic cooperation.

This visit follows recent high-level exchanges, including a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and President Erdogan in February, which focused on enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation.