Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Islamabad on Thursday morning, where he was warmly received at the Prime Minister House with a guard of honor.
He landed shortly after midnight and was welcomed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari in Rawalpindi. A formal welcome ceremony took place at the Prime Minister House, with PM Shehbaz and several federal ministers greeting Erdogan.
A military contingent presented a guard of honor to Erdogan, and both countries’ national anthems were played. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir greeted Erdogan at the PM House, where they exchanged a handshake. Erdogan also received a salute from fighter jets, including three F-16s.
Introduction to Key Figures:
PM Shehbaz introduced Erdogan to his cabinet members, including Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and others. Erdogan also introduced his delegation to PM Shehbaz, and both leaders planted a sapling at the PM House.
Cultural Celebrations:
Cultural dance performances were organized along Erdogan’s route on Constitution Avenue, which was decorated with flags and banners celebrating the strong ties between Turkey and Pakistan. A special song in honor of Erdogan was aired on TV channels following the welcome ceremony.
Erdogan’s Overseas Tour:
Erdogan’s visit marks the final leg of his tour, which included stops in Malaysia and Indonesia. The official visit, accompanied by high-level Turkish officials and corporate leaders, spans from February 12 to 13.
Focus on Economic Cooperation:
Bilateral trade plans aim to increase trade from $1 billion to $5 billion. New memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to promote trade liberalization, investment facilitation, and the removal of non-tariff barriers.
Strengthening Defence Ties:
Defence cooperation is a central aspect of Pakistan-Turkey relations. Turkey is Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier, and both countries have grown military collaboration through joint projects like Milgem warships and aircraft modernization. High-level military engagements and defence manufacturing agreements are expected to be key discussion points.
Regional and Global Discussions:
Erdogan’s visit comes amid Turkey’s expanding regional influence, particularly after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, creating new opportunities for collaboration. The two leaders are expected to discuss regional security, the Gaza humanitarian crisis, and broader political coordination in global forums. Their shared advocacy for Muslim causes, particularly on Palestine and Kashmir, aligns with Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives.
Strategic Economic Framework:
Both countries aim to expand their Strategic Economic Framework (SEF). The discussions will likely cover digital trade, trade liberalization, and further tariff reductions under the Trade in Goods Agreement (TGA). PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan will co-chair the 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).
Erdogan’s visit highlights the strengthening of political, economic, and defence ties between Turkey and Pakistan. Both countries are focused on enhancing cooperation, particularly in trade, defence, and regional security. The visit also underscores shared interests in addressing global issues like Palestine and Kashmir and paves the way for future collaboration under the Strategic Economic Framework.