Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkiye president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, signed several comprehension memorandes (MOU) on Thursday to strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkiye.
The Turkish president arrived in Islamabad shortly after midnight on Thursday and was received by Prime Minister and President Asif Ali Zardari in Rawalpindi. Both leaders are ready to hold meetings with the visitor guest during their official two -day trip.
Today, he was welcome hotly with an honor guard upon his arrival at the home of the prime minister in Islamabad to speak with Prime Minister Shehbaz, administered by the State Pakistan radio reported. A contingent of the Armed Forces presented an honor guard to the visiting dignitary, with the national hymns of both countries also played.
Speaking after Mou’s firm ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz said: “On behalf of the people of Pakistan, my government and I, we would like to extend a sincere welcome to Pakistan, to his second home. It is wonderful to have you after five years. “
He continued: “The people of Pakistan are extremely happy today to see you together with your delegation, visiting your fraternal country.”
Previously, Erdogan was also received at the home of the Prime Minister by the head of the Army personnel (COAS) as well, and both set their hands. The Turkish president also presented a greeting that includes several formations of combat aircraft, including three F-16 aircraft.
Before that, the prime minister presented the members of his cabinet to the Turkish President, including the Vice Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the Minister of Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Commercial Minister Jam Jam Kamal Khan, Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for you Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
In the same tail were members of the Turkish Visiting Delegation, whom President Erdogan presented Prime Minister Shehbaz. Erdogan and the prime minister also planted a offspring in the house of PM.
According DawnnewstvSeveral cultural dance performances were organized as Erdogan’s caravan approved by Constitution Avenue in Islamabad, which has been adorned by flags of both countries and banners that host the kind ties between them.
The government has also prepared a song in praise to the Turkish president, which was broadcast on several television channels after the welcome ceremony.
Erdogan’s visit marks the final stage of the tour abroad of President Erdogan, which included stops in Malaysia and Indonesia.
A statement from the Foreign Ministry published above said that the visit of the Turkish president, accompanied by a high -level delegation, including ministers, senior officials and corporate leaders, would last from February 12 to 13.
Plans to boost trade
During Erdogan’s visit, both countries are expected to finish agreements to expand economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.
The authorities have resolved plans to boost bilateral trade from $ 1 billion to $ 5 billion, with new comprehension memorandum (MOU) in advance in trade liberalization, investment facilitation and elimination of non -tariff barriers.
Defense cooperation remains a key pillar of Pakistan-Turkiye’s relations. According to the report of the International Peace Research Institute of Stockholm of 2023 (Sipri), Turkiye is the second largest arms supplier in Pakistan, which represents 11 % of its total weapons imports. The Defense Association has grown significantly, with joint projects such as Milgem warships, the modernization of aircraft and drones that deepen military collaboration.
Both countries have historically faced western suppliers arms embargoes, which caused investments in the production of indigenous defense. Turkiye, now an important arms exporter, sees Pakistan as a strategic partner for co -production and technology transfer. High level military commitments, joint training programs and defense manufacturing agreements are expected to be key discussion points.
Erdogan’s visit is produced in the midst of the regional influence of Turkiye, particularly after the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This transformation presents new strategic and economic opportunities for Pakistan, including the potential collaboration in the reconstruction efforts after Syria’s conflict and contribution.
Turkiye’s strong defense for Muslim causes, particularly in Palestine and Kashmir, aligns with Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives. The two leaders are expected to discuss regional security concerns, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader political coordination in international forums.
With both countries that seek to expand their strategic economic framework (SEF), the visit is expected to facilitate negotiations on digital trade and trade liberalization, and additional tariff concessions under the trade trade agreement (TGA).
According to the FO statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan would also cover the seventh session of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council of Pakistan-Turkiye (HLSCC). The last session of the Council was held in Islamabad from February 13 to 14, 2020.
More to follow
