Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for further strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye relations, focusing on achieving the mutually agreed target of $5 billion in bilateral trade, expanding investment, and enhancing cooperation in strategic and emerging technology sectors. He made these remarks during a meeting with Amna Baloch, Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Türkiye, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari congratulated Ambassador Baloch on her appointment and recognized her successful tenure as Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. He underscored the importance of the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, which are rooted in shared values, cultural connections, and mutual aspirations for peace and prosperity.

The President highlighted the need to bolster cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, livestock, mining, ship-breaking, information technology, defense industries, and special economic zones. He also emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between universities, increased people-to-people exchanges, and the promotion of cultural ties and tourism, leveraging Türkiye’s expertise in the sector.

Furthermore, President Zardari urged the Ambassador-designate to maintain close engagement with the Pakistani diaspora, students, and businesses in Türkiye, ensuring effective consular outreach and timely assistance. He stressed the significance of enhanced coordination and information-sharing between Pakistani and Turkish institutions to combat human smuggling.

The President instructed Ambassador Baloch to convey his warm regards to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon presenting her credentials and wished her success in her new assignment.