Islamabad, February 13, 2025 – The Europe Today: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, economy, energy, defense, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, for the mutual benefit of both nations. The pledge was made during a high-level meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.
Welcoming President Erdogan and his delegation, President Zardari highlighted the historic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, emphasizing their mutual support on international platforms. He noted that President Erdogan’s visit held special significance for the Pakistani people and would play a vital role in further strengthening bilateral relations.
President Zardari underscored Pakistan’s investment-friendly environment and reiterated the country’s desire to see increased Turkish investment, particularly in the stock market and other key economic sectors. He stressed the importance of boosting cooperation between the banking sectors of both countries to facilitate businesses and maximize bilateral trade potential. Additionally, he called for improved connectivity and air links to enhance tourism and foster stronger people-to-people ties.
The two leaders also discussed pressing regional and international issues, particularly the situations in Gaza and Syria, and agreed to collaborate in promoting global peace and stability. President Zardari expressed gratitude to President Erdogan for Turkiye’s unwavering support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
President Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiye’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Pakistan and stated his intent to encourage Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion. He also stressed the importance of fostering closer people-to-people relations to sustain and deepen the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
The Turkish leader commended Pakistan’s economic progress and stability and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s continued support for Turkiye on the Cyprus issue. He reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Following the meeting, President Zardari hosted a banquet in honor of President Erdogan, First Lady Emine Erdogan, and the accompanying Turkish delegation, further underscoring the close ties between the two nations.
