During a recent visit to Istanbul, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye, describing the two nations as ‘two hearts with one soul’. He announced that their economic partnership is entering a promising new phase.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
In a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the ongoing momentum in bilateral trade and investment. He highlighted the discussions as ‘comprehensive and productive’, focusing on unlocking the full potential of their economic collaboration.
Aiming for $5 Billion in Trade
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a target of $5 billion in bilateral trade. PM Shehbaz noted the ‘tremendous reservoir of goodwill’ between the two countries, which he believes provides a unique opportunity to reach this goal. He emphasized that the decisions made during this visit would lead to greater trade and investment.
Shared History and Future Cooperation
PM Shehbaz reflected on the historical ties between the two nations, recalling how the people of Turkiye and Pakistan have supported each other during challenging times. He expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s peace efforts and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to standing with Ankara on key issues.
President Erdoğan also spoke about the importance of their partnership, stating that both countries are working on establishing a special economic zone in Karachi and expanding their preferential trade agreement. He expressed confidence that these efforts would enhance their economic relations.
