Shehbaz, Erdogan vow to elevate 'strategic' ties

Pakistan and Turkiye reiterated their resolve to "elevate the bilateral strategic partnership to greater heights" during "a warm and most cordial meeting" between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Sunday.

Shehbaz, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and key cabinet ministers, began his two-day official visit to Turkiye, as part of his four-nation regional tour, the Prime Minister's Office (Press Wing) said in a statement.

In the meeting with President Erdogan, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Turkiye for their unwavering support to Pakistan during the recent conflict with India, the statement said.

Underscoring the strength of the fraternal bond between the two nations, Shehbaz lauded Turkiye's principled stance and the outpouring of goodwill of the Turkish people for Pakistan. He described it as "a source of great comfort and strength" for Pakistan, the statement added.

He highlighted the courage and the spirit of sacrifice of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the resolute patriotism of the Pakistani people that was demonstrated in an unprecedented manner and contributed greatly to Pakistan's overwhelming victory in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

The two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their principled support for each other's core concerns, including the Kashmir dispute. They pledged to continue working closely for regional peace, and the shared prosperity of their peoples.

"The two leaders … reiterated their resolve to elevate the [bilateral] strategic partnership to greater heights," the statement said, adding that both sides "renewed commitment to further deepen the multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye".

Emphasising the need for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly through joint ventures and enhanced investment, Shehbaz highlighted key sectors, including energy, information technology, defence production, infrastructure, and agriculture as areas of mutual interest and potential.

The statement said that Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan also followed up on the implementation of key decisions taken during the seventh session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) held in Islamabad on February 13, 2025.

In addition to bilateral issues, the two leaders also discussed pressing regional and international developments. They expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected Palestinian population.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq dar, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Pakistan's Ambassador Dr Yusuf Junaid were also part of Pakistan delegation. President Erdogan also hosted dinner for Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation.

"The engagement [between the leaders of the two countries] reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for progress and prosperity," the Prime Minister's Office stated.