ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Turkish companies to expand their investment footprint in the country and share their expertise in structural reforms, economic growth, and development.
The Prime Minister was talking to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Guler, who called on him in Islamabad on Wednesday.
PM Sharif stressed the need for concerted efforts by both sides to enhance bilateral trade to attain the mutually agreed target of $5 billion volume, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister Office’s media wing.
The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Turkiye in diverse fields, including trade, investment, technology, and defence.
The Turkish ministers also reaffirmed their country’s interest in deepening cooperation with Pakistan and appreciated Islamabad’s efforts to strengthen regional peace and economic stability.
Prime Minister Sharif underscored the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye that remain deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual respect. He also expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations.
Recalling his interactions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, PM Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to transform Pakistan-Turkiye relations into a strategic partnership in the days to come.
Welcoming the convening of the Joint Commission’s meeting, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, PM Sharif expressed hope that the bilateral relations between the two countries would attain further momentum, leading to the bolstering of cooperation in multifaceted areas.
While reiterating the commitment of both countries to continue their strong and unwavering support for each other’s core interests, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for closer coordination between the two sides amidst the fast-evolving regional and global environment, particularly in the context of Gaza and Iran.
PM Sharif once again expressed his deepest gratitude to the Turkish nation and leadership for their steadfast support to Pakistan during the recent Indian aggression.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Security Adviser Lieutenant General Asim Malik, and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
Pakistan, Turkiye target $5bln Trade
Earlier, addressing a joint press conference along with Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Fidan said that both Pakistan and Turkiye are determined to enhance their bilateral trade volume to $5 billion.
Fidan noted that the two countries share deep-rooted, brotherly relations that continue to strengthen over time.
He highlighted that the two countries have significantly enhanced cooperation in key sectors, including the economy, culture, and defence.
Expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s warm hospitality, the Turkish foreign minister praised the strong and growing partnership between the two countries.
“Pakistan and Turkiye share a unique and time-tested relationship, which is now being transformed into an institutional partnership,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
He also stressed the need to further strengthen air, sea, land, and railway connections between the two countries, saying that technical activities in this regard were ongoing.
He also condemned Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Iran, calling them a “violation of international law,” and pledged continued Turkish efforts for a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted that discussions included the establishment of a special economic zone in Karachi specifically for Turkish investors, as well as the opening of Turkiye’s renowned Maarif schools in Azad Kashmir.
Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan regards Turkiye as a trusted friend and a brotherly nation. He mentioned that defence-related committee meetings between the two countries are scheduled to take place in September.
He noted that Pakistan and Turkiye are actively collaborating through various joint committees across multiple sectors. Appreciating Turkiye’s expertise, Dar pointed out that both nations share similar perspectives on numerous regional and global issues.
