ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan and Türkiye are poised to enter a new phase of economic partnership following his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. The discussions underscored the enduring strength of the Pakistan-Türkiye Strategic Partnership, with a focus on enhancing trade relations and cooperation across various sectors.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized that the partnership will continue to concentrate on trade, investment, defense cooperation, energy, connectivity, technology, regional peace, and people-to-people exchanges. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect as the primary means to resolve disputes and maintain international peace and security.

During his visit, Prime Minister Sharif expressed appreciation for President Erdogan’s hospitality and highlighted the agreement to harness the full potential of their partnership. This includes achieving a mutually agreed target of $5 billion in bilateral trade and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between the two nations.

The Prime Minister also participated in the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Conference, where he engaged with members of Türkiye’s business community. He noted that the optimism and entrepreneurial spirit shown by Turkish business leaders bolster his confidence in the evolving economic relationship, which is set to advance under President Erdogan’s leadership.