PM Shehbaz arrives in Istanbul on bilateral visit to strengthen Pakistan-Türkiye ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Friday on a bilateral visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, where the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade and investment.

The prime minister was received at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport by Türkiye’s Trade Minister Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid, and senior officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the Pakistani embassy, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar are accompanying the premier during the visit.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdoğan are expected to hold comprehensive talks on all aspects of bilateral relations, with particular focus on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional peace and security, the PM Office said.

As part of his engagements in Istanbul, the prime minister will also address a Pakistan-hosted business conference aimed at showcasing investment opportunities in the country.

The conference will highlight prospects in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), energy, information technology, privatization and other key sectors. It is expected to bring together prominent Turkish business leaders, investors, senior government officials and other dignitaries.

Pakistan and Türkiye enjoy close political, economic and defence ties, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.