PM Shehbaz, President Erdogan reaffirm resolve to deepen strategic, economic ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening strategic ties, pledging closer cooperation in defence, trade, and regional peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Sunday, beginning a two-day official visit to Türkiye as part of a four-nation tour.

The Premier was received at the airport by Turkish Minister of Defence Yashar Guler, Istanbul Deputy Governor Erdogan Turan Ermis, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nouman Aslam, and senior Turkish and Pakistani officials.

During a “warm and cordial” meeting in Ankara, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, underscoring their shared vision for peace, prosperity and mutual development.

“The engagement reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar were among key members of the Pakistani delegation attending the meeting.

PM Shehbaz thanked Turkiye for its steadfast diplomatic support during recent regional tensions, including Pakistan’s standoff with India.

“I conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters,” PM Shehbaz said in a post on X. He praised Turkiye’s “principled stance” and said the solidarity shown by the Turkish people was a “source of strength for Pakistan.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the armed forces’ role and the people’s “resolute patriotism” during the recent conflict with India, crediting them for what he called Pakistan’s “overwhelming victory in Marak-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.”

Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in key sectors, including renewable energy, defence production, IT, agriculture, and infrastructure.

PM Shehbaz and Turk President Erdogan also followed up on decisions from the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Islamabad in February 2025. They reiterated their goal of reaching $5 billion in annual bilateral trade.

The leaders discussed regional and global issues, reaffirming their support for each other’s core interests — including Turkiye’s position on Cyprus and Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir.

President Erdogan later hosted a dinner for PM Shehbaz and the delegation, further underlining the strong personal rapport between the two leaders.

“Our resolve to continue working closely to strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation remains firm,” PM Shehbaz said.

Turkey, Azerbaijan voiced support for Pakistan during escalation with India

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express solidarity following India's missile strikes on Pakistani territory.

Read More: Erdogan voices support for Pakistan after Indian missile strikes

During the conversation, Erdoğan praised Pakistan’s calm and measured response to the escalating tensions and endorsed Islamabad’s call for an investigation into the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead. Pakistan denied any involvement in the incident.

According to the Turkish presidency, Erdoğan described Pakistan’s position as appropriate and assured that Turkey would continue diplomatic efforts to help prevent further escalation. Turkey had also condemned India’s military action and warned it could lead to a wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Read More: Azerbaijan backs Pakistan amid tensions with India

The government of Azerbaijan also expressed strong support for Pakistan. In an official letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Azerbaijan condemned India’s recent military actions and voiced concern over the rising tensions.

The message was delivered by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, who conveyed his government’s solidarity with Pakistan during the crisis. Azerbaijan extended condolences to the families of those affected and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

The Azerbaijani government also called for resolving the conflict through diplomatic channels and reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation and support for Pakistan.