Islamabad, February 13, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral relations and enhancing economic cooperation between their countries. Speaking at a joint news conference in Islamabad on Thursday, both leaders underscored the shared determination to increase trade volume and further deepen ties.
“With Mr. Prime Minister, we agree to increase our efforts to reach the target of $5 billion in trade volume,” President Erdogan stated, emphasizing the importance of expanding economic cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan.
Erdogan highlighted the role of the private sector in fostering this growth, encouraging Turkish investors to engage more actively in Pakistan. “Through the Türkiye-Pakistan Business Forum, we encourage our investors, who are the driving engine of economic cooperation, to engage in more activities in Pakistan,” he added.
In a significant development during the high-level talks, the two leaders signed 24 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including trade, security, and global issues.
Security Cooperation and Mutual Support in Combatting Terrorism
The Turkish president expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s steadfast support in Türkiye’s ongoing fight against terrorism, highlighting the importance of mutual collaboration in addressing this shared challenge. “We reiterate our support for Pakistan in its fight against terror in all its kinds and forms. We feel Pakistan’s strong support in our fight against all forms of terrorism, including PKK, YPG, DAESH, and FETO,” Erdogan remarked.
He further emphasized the unshakeable bond between the two nations, stressing the deep-rooted relationship that ties Türkiye and Pakistan together. Erdogan also acknowledged Pakistan’s continued support for the rights of Turkish Cypriots, calling it a highly meaningful gesture.
Firm Stance on Palestine
President Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, reiterating the country’s firm stance on the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. “We believe that we need to strengthen our resolute stance in a period when there are unlawful and unethical proposals to uproot our Gazan brothers and sisters from their homeland,” Erdogan said.
Praise for Türkiye’s Global Leadership
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took the opportunity to praise Türkiye’s economic progress and its leadership in advocating for the rights of Muslim nations. “Türkiye is currently one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and the country has always stood up for the rights of Muslim nations, especially the oppressed,” Sharif said.
He emphasized the unique bond between the two nations, describing the relationship as “unparalleled” and rooted in shared history, values, and a deep sense of solidarity. “The Muslim world listens to Türkiye closely and attentively,” Sharif remarked, reflecting the immense respect and trust the nation holds within the broader Islamic community.
As both leaders continue to build on their long-standing partnership, this visit serves as a testament to the unwavering ties and shared ambitions between Türkiye and Pakistan, with a focus on bolstering economic cooperation, security collaboration, and global leadership.
