Bilateral Trade Commitment
Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a bilateral trade volume of $5 billion. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Islamabad late Thursday, where he was welcomed by Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. The two leaders emphasized expanding the scope of their trade agreement, with Erdogan highlighting the role of Turkish investors in enhancing cooperation and projects in Pakistan.
Guard of Honour and Welcoming Ceremony
Upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House, Erdogan received a warm welcome, including a guard of honour presented by a contingent of the Pakistani armed forces. The national anthems of both countries were played during the ceremony. The Turkish president later engaged in high-level talks with PM Shehbaz to discuss further cooperation between the two nations.
Focus on Economic and Military Cooperation
In their discussions, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s intent to support more Turkish investments in Pakistan, particularly in flagship projects. He also noted the significant growth in bilateral relations through military dialogue and defense industry cooperation. Both countries are set to advance projects in joint manufacturing, procurement, and defense cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s Remarks
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Pakistan-Turkiye Business Forum, reiterating both countries’ shared goal of reaching $5 billion in trade. He acknowledged that while progress had been made, there was still a long way to go. The Prime Minister also expressed regret over past inconveniences faced by Turkish investors in Pakistan, emphasizing his personal commitment to ensuring smoother operations going forward.
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
During a signing ceremony, several agreements were inked in various sectors, including trade, water resources, agriculture, and defense. PM Shehbaz welcomed Erdogan to Pakistan, noting the longstanding friendship between the two nations. Erdogan reciprocated, highlighting the importance of the visit and the discussions around regional and global developments.
Defence and Regional Cooperation
Erdogan’s visit also included discussions on defense cooperation, with both leaders recognizing the strategic importance of their partnership. Turkey remains Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier, and the defense collaboration continues to grow, with joint projects in areas like aircraft modernization and drone technology. This cooperation is expected to be a key agenda item during the visit.
Enhancing Strategic Economic Framework
The visit also focused on expanding the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF), aiming to boost digital trade, trade liberalization, and further tariff reductions. This marks an important step towards strengthening economic ties and fostering greater business exchanges between the two nations.
Shared Regional Interests
The two leaders discussed regional issues, including the crises in Gaza and Syria. Both countries share concerns about the situation in Palestine and Kashmir, aligning their foreign policies on key Muslim causes. The visit is also expected to open doors for collaboration on Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction and counterterrorism efforts.
The Turkish president’s visit signifies a continued effort to bolster Pakistan-Turkiye relations in multiple areas, including trade, defense, and regional security. As both nations expand their cooperation, the signing of 24 agreements promises significant long-term benefits for both sides.
