Islamabad, February 13, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding multifaceted cooperation between the two nations.
Erdogan was warmly received at Nur Khan Air Base in Islamabad by a high-level delegation of Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Turkish leader is accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and Communications Director Fahrettin Altun.
The visit marks a significant step in the deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, underscoring their commitment to furthering economic, strategic, and diplomatic cooperation.
High-Level Meetings and Strategic Cooperation
Erdogan is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Sharif on Thursday before attending the 7th Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). This forum serves as the highest decision-making body for bilateral relations, setting the strategic direction for cooperation in various sectors.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting will culminate in the signing of a Joint Declaration and several key agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Both leaders are expected to address a joint press conference following the session.
“Pakistan and Türkiye are bound by historic fraternal ties. The visit of the Turkish President and the holding of the 7th Session of the HLSCC would serve to further deepen the brotherly relations and enhance multifaceted cooperation between the two countries,” the ministry said in a statement.
The HLSCC oversees multiple Joint Standing Committees covering a broad spectrum of cooperation, including trade, investment, banking, finance, culture, tourism, energy, defence, agriculture, transport, communication, IT, health, science and technology, and education.
Bilateral and Regional Discussions
In addition to his engagements with Pakistani leadership, Erdogan will participate in the Türkiye-Pakistan Business Forum and hold a separate bilateral meeting with President Zardari at the presidential building.
Discussions during the visit are expected to cover key bilateral and regional issues, including economic collaboration, defence partnerships, and humanitarian concerns. Türkiye’s strong support for Palestine and Kashmir aligns closely with Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives, and both sides are anticipated to deliberate on ongoing regional crises, including Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Erdogan’s visit reaffirms the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye, reinforcing cooperation across multiple domains while advancing shared diplomatic and geopolitical interests.
