Pakistan and Turkiye Strengthen Ties with 24 Agreements Signed During Erdogan’s Visit
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Pakistan and Turkiye have signed 24 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to bolster their bilateral cooperation following the 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, held in Islamabad on Thursday. The landmark agreements cover a wide range of sectors, including defence, energy, trade, education, banking, health, and culture, among others.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House, signed a joint declaration aimed at deepening and institutionalising the strategic partnership between the two nations. Both leaders also pledged to elevate economic ties and set a target of achieving a bilateral trade volume of $5 billion.
The agreements signed included four MoUs in the defence sector, with others addressing areas such as scientific education, religious services, pharmaceutical industries, and cultural co-productions. Both leaders underscored the importance of these agreements in fostering mutual growth and collaboration. Erdogan also expressed his support for broadening the current trade framework between the two countries and urged Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, especially in major projects.
“We are committed to joint manufacturing, procurement, and sales in the defence sector,” Erdogan said during a joint press conference. He also acknowledged the significant role of military dialogue and defence cooperation in boosting trade and investment relations between the two countries.
In addition to the defence agreements, two MoUs were signed by the Pakistan-Turkiye Business Forum to strengthen bilateral business relations. The forum’s agreements are expected to further enhance economic cooperation between the private sectors of both countries.
Erdogan praised Pakistan’s contributions to the fight against terrorism and reiterated Turkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan on international matters, including the Kashmir dispute. He reaffirmed Turkey’s solidarity with the people of Kashmir and advocated for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue under United Nations resolutions.
The Turkish president also commended Pakistan’s firm stance on Palestine and pledged continued efforts for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s consistent support, particularly regarding the Kashmir issue and its assistance during Pakistan’s natural disasters. He assured that the agreements signed during the visit would be swiftly implemented through joint efforts and vowed to work closely with Erdogan to further enhance bilateral relations.
Following the bilateral talks, the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honor of President Erdogan and his delegation.
Warm Reception for President Erdogan
Earlier in the day, President Erdogan was given a grand reception at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was greeted with a guard of honor. The Turkish president and First Lady Emine Erdogan were welcomed with full state protocol upon their arrival. Prime Minister Shehbaz introduced Erdogan to members of his federal cabinet, who greeted him individually.
In a further show of respect, President Erdogan was honoured with a spectacular flypast by F-16 fighter jets, symbolizing the significance of his visit. The Turkish president and his delegation had arrived in Islamabad late on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
President Erdogan was received at the Nur Khan Airbase with a 21-gun salute, and his arrival was further marked by a warm ceremony, with children presenting bouquets to the First Lady and a performance by a military band. The visit is set to include bilateral meetings with Pakistani leadership and the co-chairing of the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
The agreements and discussions are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and strategic partnerships between Pakistan and Turkiye in the years to come.
