Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on an official visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking another significant step in strengthening the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye. The visit aims to expand bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, defence, regional connectivity, and other key sectors while addressing important regional and global developments.
Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed by Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid, senior Turkish officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, are accompanying the prime minister during the high-level visit.
During bilateral meetings, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are expected to discuss strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye relations, expanding economic cooperation, increasing bilateral trade, attracting investment, and enhancing collaboration in defence and infrastructure development. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues, including the evolving security situation in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability.
A key highlight of the visit is the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Forum, where the prime minister will address Turkish investors, business leaders, and government representatives. The forum is designed to showcase Pakistan’s investment opportunities in sectors such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs), information technology, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and the government’s privatization programme. The event is expected to strengthen business-to-business partnerships and encourage greater Turkish investment in Pakistan.
Pakistan and Türkiye continue to enjoy deep-rooted brotherly relations built on shared history, mutual trust, and consistent diplomatic support. Both countries cooperate closely in defence, trade, education, and international forums while maintaining a shared vision for regional peace, prosperity, and sustainable economic growth.
The visit also follows recent high-level engagements between the two leaders, including their meeting at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where they emphasized expanding strategic cooperation and agreed to hold the eighth session of the Pakistan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) later this year.
With growing economic collaboration and strong political ties, the latest visit reflects both nations’ commitment to transforming their strategic partnership into greater trade, investment, and long-term regional cooperation.
