Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif resolved on Tuesday to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and information technology (IT).
Speaking during a joint press conference, Turkish President Erdogan highlighted the significance of mutual contacts, which he referred to as a symbol of the strong friendship between the two nations.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism and expressed his support for the country’s ongoing efforts to eradicate all forms of terrorism.
Erdogan revealed his desire to initiate joint defence projects, underscoring that both countries shared aligned views on global issues, including their unwavering support for a sovereign Palestinian state.
He strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Erdogan for Turkiye’s full assistance during the devastating 2022 floods.
He praised Erdogan as a far-sighted and visionary leader, commending Turkiye’s remarkable progress under his leadership.
PM Shehbaz also spoke of the need for joint efforts to combat terrorism and called for the formulation of a global strategy to address the threat of terrorism.
He expressed his appreciation for Turkiye’s ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism initiatives.
The meeting also touched upon regional and global affairs, with particular emphasis on the Middle East.
Both leaders agreed to collaborate on several key sectors, including energy, mining, minerals, IT, and defence.
PM Shehbaz meets Erdogan in Ankara
PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of fostering economic cooperation through joint projects and bilateral investments, underscoring the potential for collaboration in areas such as energy, defence, agriculture, trade, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
During their discussions, the two leaders reviewed the progress made in implementing the decisions of the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Islamabad on February 13, 2025.
Both Erdogan and PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the pace of bilateral cooperation between their countries.
The leaders also reaffirmed their mutual support on various matters of national interest, while expressing deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
They called for an immediate ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian assistance to those affected.
The Pakistani delegation accompanying PM Shehbaz included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Dr Yousuf Junaid.
In a gesture of goodwill, President Erdogan hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation.
