Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has advocated for strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, emphasizing the need for an economic partnership that mirrors the political and strategic ties between the two countries.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister addressed a reception in Islamabad commemorating the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. During his speech, he highlighted Türkiye’s growth under President Erdogan’s leadership, noting its advances in economic development, defense technology, and its role as a humanitarian donor.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s support during Pakistan’s Marka-e-Haq struggle against India last year. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of the Makkah Agreement, a pact signed by Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, as a pivotal step towards enhancing collective deterrence and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to promoting dialogue, diplomacy, adherence to international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu also spoke at the event, emphasizing the goal of building a robust economic partnership and deepening the strategic alliance between Pakistan and Türkiye. He cited the Makkah Defence Agreement and the “Badr” memorandum of understanding as recent milestones in their collaborative efforts.