Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to strengthen Pakistan-Turkey ties, discussing historical and brotherly relations between both the countries.

According to details, PM Shehbaz praised Erdogan’s leadership in Turkey’s remarkable development and called for enhanced economic cooperation.

The leaders agreed to boost collaboration in new sectors such as IT, agriculture, and green technology. Discussions included achieving a $5 billion bilateral trade target and strengthening economic, trade, and defence partnerships.

Both leaders reaffirmed support for each other’s national interests, including Kashmir and Cyprus. They condemned Israeli atrocities against Palestinians and reiterated unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

The meeting also addressed the situation in the Middle East and Syria. Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s cultural and religious affinity with Pakistan and stressed the need to promote regional peace and stability. He appreciated Shehbaz’s efforts to stabilise Pakistan’s economy.

Shehbaz invited Erdogan to co-chair the Strategic Cooperation Council session in Islamabad.

Pakistani ministers Ishaq Dar and Attaullah Tarar were also present.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the D-8 summit, PM Shehbaz also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Both the leaders reiterated commitment to strengthen the Pakistan-Iran ties.

The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, economy, energy and regional connectivity. PM Shehbaz emphasised identifying new sectors for collaboration through institutional frameworks and urged activating border markets to improve livelihoods in border regions.

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They reaffirmed mutual support on key issues and pledged to maintain close coordination on the regional and global matters. Both expressed concern over Israeli actions against the Palestinians and agreed to advocate for the oppressed.

PM Shehbaz extended greetings to the Iran’s supreme leader and congratulated Iran on joining BRICS. He also sought Iranian support for Pakistan’s BRICS membership bid and invited President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan.

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