Turkish President Concludes Two-Day Visit to Pakistan, Strengthening Pakistan-Turkey Relations

Islamabad—Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has concluded his two-day official visit to Pakistan, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties between the two nations. During the visit, both countries signed 24 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering diverse sectors.

Expansion of Trade and Economic Cooperation

Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday, where these agreements were formalized, President Erdoğan emphasized his commitment to enhancing bilateral trade. “We intend to increase mutual trade between our nations to $5 billion,” he stated. He also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House, where discussions focused on trade, investment, and defense cooperation.

Following the signing ceremony, President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a joint press conference, reiterating their dedication to deepening Pakistan-Turkey relations.

President Zardari Highlights Strategic Importance of Visit

President Asif Ali Zardari, while hosting his Turkish counterpart at Aiwan-e-Sadr, expressed gratitude for Turkey’s continued support and emphasized that Erdoğan’s visit was of special significance to the Pakistani people. He further noted that the visit would help strengthen the already robust bilateral relationship.

During their discussions, President Erdoğan thanked Pakistan for its unwavering support on the Cyprus issue and underscored the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan-Turkey Business and Investment Forum

The Turkish President also addressed the Pakistan-Turkey Business and Investment Forum, attended by prominent investors and business leaders from both countries. He encouraged Turkish and Pakistani businesses to explore new avenues for collaboration.

Shared Heritage and Cultural Ties

Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Erdoğan expressed his affection for Pakistan, calling it “our second home.” He paid tribute to Pakistan’s founding leaders, stating, “Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal are our heroes too. Allama Iqbal’s poetry ignited revolutionary changes across the world.”

He also acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the struggle.

Joint Stance on Global Issues

Reaffirming Turkey’s stance on international conflicts, President Erdoğan strongly condemned Israel’s actions against Palestinians and reiterated Turkey’s unwavering support for Palestine. “We have raised our voice for Palestine alongside Pakistan at every international forum. Supporting our Palestinian brothers and sisters is our duty,” he stated.

He further assured Turkey’s support for Pakistan’s efforts in resolving the Kashmir dispute and acknowledged Pakistan’s backing on the Cyprus issue.

Commitment to Educational and Defense Cooperation

Emphasizing the importance of people-to-people ties, Erdoğan pledged Turkey’s continued support in Pakistan’s education sector. He also underscored Turkey’s role in enhancing military cooperation between the two nations.

Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Turkish Partnership

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed President Erdoğan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong ties with Turkey. “Pakistan and Turkey share centuries-old brotherly relations. Turkey has always stood by Pakistan in times of difficulty,” he said.

Highlighting Turkey’s assistance during the recent floods, Shehbaz Sharif praised Erdoğan’s generosity and humanitarian support. “During the floods, Turkey’s assistance won the hearts of the Pakistani people. President Erdoğan personally visited flood-affected areas and extended full support.”

Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s clear stance on Gaza and expressed gratitude for Turkey’s unwavering support on the Kashmir issue. “Turkey has always supported Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, and we will continue to stand by Turkey on Cyprus.”

He emphasized that Pakistan was committed to converting the MoUs into actionable projects, particularly in trade and economic cooperation.

Key Agreements Signed

During the visit, agreements were signed in various sectors, including:

• Cooperation between the Export Credit Bank of Turkey and Pakistan’s Export-Import Bank
• Technical cooperation between the Central Bank of Turkey and the State Bank of Pakistan
• Trade expansion and industrial property cooperation
• Digitalization of trade certificates
• Exchange programs for military and civilian personnel
• Collaboration in air force electronic warfare and military health
• Joint efforts in halal trade and legal metrology infrastructure
• Agreements on agricultural seed production and hydrocarbon cooperation
• Energy transition and mining sector cooperation
• Water resource management
• Media, cultural exchange, and audiovisual co-production
• Religious education and pharmaceutical sector collaboration

A Grand Welcome for President Erdoğan

President Erdoğan arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday night and was given a warm welcome at Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan accompanied him.

Upon entering Pakistani airspace, Erdoğan’s plane was escorted by JF-17 fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force. A 21-gun salute was presented upon his arrival, followed by a guard of honor at the Prime Minister’s House.

Strategic Cooperation Council Meeting

The visit also included the seventh session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), which both leaders co-chaired. This council serves as a key platform for bilateral strategic dialogue, focusing on trade, security, and regional stability.

Strengthening Defense Ties

Experts have highlighted the growing defense partnership between Pakistan and Turkey. Pakistan has become the first country to purchase warships under Turkey’s MILGEM project and has acquired advanced Turkish drones such as Akıncı and Bayraktar TB2.

Additionally, the two nations are jointly developing the TF-X fifth-generation fighter jet, with Pakistan set to host an assembly line for the aircraft.

Looking Ahead

This visit marks President Erdoğan’s third trip to Pakistan since 2016, following his previous visit in 2020. Experts believe that this visit will further cement the deep-rooted strategic, economic, and defense cooperation between the two nations, paving the way for a stronger alliance in the years to come.