Erdogan arrived in Islamabad late on Wednesday on a two-day visit to Pakistan
\n Islamabad
\nPakistan and Turkiye signed 24 agreements and MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation following the 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad on Thursday.
\nPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a joint declaration to deepen and institutionalise the strategic partnership between the two nations at the Prime Minister\u2019s House.
\nMoreover, both countries pledged to strengthen economic ties and achieve a bilateral trade volume of $5 billion. The agreements cover diverse sectors including defence, power, energy, mining, trade, water, education, banking, health, legal affairs, media, aerospace, halal food, culture, and business.
\nFour MoUs were signed in the defence sector, with others focusing on scientific education, religious services, pharmaceutical industries, and cultural co-productions.
\nErdogan highlighted the importance of these agreements in fostering mutual growth and collaboration, while Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to strengthening ties with Turkiye.
\nThe Pakistan-Turkiye Business Forum also signed two MoUs aimed at boosting bilateral business relations.
\nErdogan highlighted the potential for broadening the current trade agreement between the two countries and encouraged Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in flagship projects.
\n\u201cOur military dialogue and defence cooperation have significantly boosted our trade and investment relations,\u201d Erdogan said at a joint press conference. He added that both sides are committed to joint manufacturing, procurement, and sales in the defence sector.
\nThe two leaders witnessed the signing of 24 agreements covering various sectors, including the establishment of a special economic zone (SEZ) by Turkish firms for industrial production.
\nErdogan praised Pakistan\u2019s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reiterated Turkiye\u2019s unwavering support for Pakistan on international issues, including the Kashmir dispute.
\nHe affirmed Turkiye\u2019s solidarity with Kashmiris and called for resolving the conflict through dialogue under UN resolutions.
\nThe Turkish president also commended Pakistan\u2019s stance on Palestine, vowing continued joint efforts for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
\nPM Shehbaz expressed gratitude for Turkiye\u2019s consistent support on Kashmir and its assistance during natural disasters in Pakistan. He said the partnership between the two nations is built on compassion and mutual respect.
\nThe prime minister assured that the signed agreements would be implemented swiftly through joint efforts and promised to work closely with Erdogan to enhance bilateral ties. Following the meetings, the PM hosted a luncheon in honour of the Turkish president and his delegation.
\nErdogan receives guard of honour
\nEarlier on Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad where he was warmly greeted with a grand guard of honour.
\nThis formal reception marked the beginning of his official visit.
\nPM Shehbaz greeted President Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan with full state protocol upon their arrival. The PM introduced the visiting president to members of his federal cabinet, with each member greeting Erdogan individually.
\nLater, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir met with President Erdogan and warmly greeted him on his official visit to Pakistan.
\nIn a further show of respect, President Erdogan was honoured with a spectacular flypast by F-16 fighter jets, adding to the grandeur of his visit.
\nErdogan arrived in Islamabad late on Wednesday on a two-day visit to Pakistan during which he would hold bilateral meetings with the Pakistani leadership and address the Pakistan-Turkiye Business and Investment Forum.
\nErdogan was accorded a warm welcome at the Nur Khan Airbase. He was received by President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, Deputy Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior government officials.
\nA 21-gun salute was fired in honour of President Erdogan, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation. The Pakistan Air Force jets escorted Erdogan\u2019s special aircraft as it entered Pakistan\u2019s airspace, adding to the significance of the visit.
\nTwo children, dressed in traditional attire, presented bouquets to President Erdogan and the First Lady. The welcome ceremony also included a performance by the military band, while children waved the flags of both Pakistan and Turkey.
\nDuring his visit, President Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will co-chair the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations. Erdogan will also engage in bilateral meetings with both PM Shehbaz and President Zardari.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Erdogan arrived in Islamabad late on Wednesday on a two-day visit to Pakistan Islamabad Pakistan and Turkiye signed 24 agreements and MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation following the 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad on Thursday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a joint declaration […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":461410,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-461387","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n