Pakistan vows stronger political, economic, defence ties with Turkiye

Pakistan vowed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Turkiye in all areas of mutual interest including political, energy, economic, defence and investment.

This was conveyed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who met H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, today, on the sidelines of the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat.

During their warm and cordial meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the significance of the historic and deep fraternal bonds between the two nations, that were rooted in shared values and a common aspiration for peace and prosperity, said the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

PM Shehbaz expressed his satisfaction at the frequent leadership level engagements between Pakistan and Turkiye this year.

“In this regard, the Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction at the convening of the 16th session of the Pak-Turkiye JMC that would ensure implementation of the decisions of the 7th HLSCC.”

During the meeting, the premier identified energy, petroleum and minerals as priority sectors, and welcomed Turkish interest and investments in these areas.

“He urged the two sides to ensure the timely implementation of the recently signed MOUs/agreements in these critical sectors.”

The PM said that Pakistan sought to benefit from Turkish expertise in the privatization of distribution companies.

“In this regard, it was decided that Ministerial level exchanges between the two countries would take place very soon.”

He also underscored the importance of regional connectivity as manifested by the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional as well as global developments.

The press release said that the premier also thanked Turkiye for its constructive role in facilitating talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime but “stressed that peace would only be possible if Pakistan’s security concerns were fully addressed”.

“President Erdogan thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for his views , particularly his kind words and expressed his desire to work together with a view to build stronger ties between the two countries.”

Meanwhile, in his address today, Prime minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of global disputes, while urging the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to honour their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.

The prime minister hoped that as part of the group of eight Arab Islamic countries, the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East will ultimately protect and save the lives of innocent Palestinians, ensuring a lasting and permanent ceasefire, allow the flow of critical humanitarian aid, and help in the reconstruction of Gaza.