Pakistan and Turkey have reaffirmed their commitment to increase bilateral trade volume to $5 billion, with both leaders expressing determination to enhance trade and investment in special economic zones. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the commitment during a joint press conference following their meeting in Istanbul on Saturday.
Erdogan Warns Against Sabotaging US-Iran Peace Deal
President Erdogan emphasized that Middle East peace efforts cannot succeed without regional backing and warned against attempts to undermine the US-Iran peace deal. "No solution that does not take strength from the will and contributions of regional countries can be lasting," Erdogan said. He added, "We are closely following the Israeli administration's attempts to dynamite the (U.S.-Iran) deal... The current war-addicted Israeli government must not be allowed to drown our geography in the smell of gunpowder and blood again."
PM Shehbaz Highlights Pakistan-Turkey Friendship
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Turkey's progress under President Erdogan's leadership and said Pakistan is proud of its friendship with Turkey. He noted that comprehensive talks were held with Turkish businessmen in a B2B forum and with President Erdogan. "We discussed increasing investment in special economic zones and we are determined to achieve the target of $5 billion in bilateral trade volume," he stated.
The prime minister also highlighted the common stance of both countries on regional disputes, including Pakistan's support for Turkey on Cyprus and Turkey's unequivocal stance on Kashmir. "Pakistan's success is Turkey's success, and Turkey's progress is Pakistan's progress. We have to give a new dimension to the partnership between Pakistan and Turkey," he said.
Historical Bonds and Mutual Support
Shehbaz Sharif recalled the deep historical ties, noting that during Turkey's war of independence, Muslims of the subcontinent fully supported Turkey, with mothers and sisters donating their jewellery. "This unique relationship is based on shared faith, culture, history, mutual brotherhood and sacrifices," he said. He also thanked Turkey for its support during natural disasters, including the 2022 floods in Muzaffargarh, where President Erdogan and his wife visited and donated her necklace for victims.
Erdogan Condoles Bus Accident Victims, Stresses Regional Peace
President Erdogan offered condolences for the tragic bus accident in Balochistan that killed Pakistani citizens. He praised the calm achieved through the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and congratulated Pakistan for playing a major role in reducing regional tensions. Erdogan stressed that Turkey supports diplomatic efforts to resolve issues and condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza, stating, "The Zionist regime had tied its survival to the continuation of the conflicts in the region."
Trade and Investment Goals
Both leaders reaffirmed the target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion. Erdogan disclosed that ministries of trade are working on a special economic zone for businesspeople in Karachi, and negotiations are ongoing to expand the preferential trade agreement. He also noted that defense industry cooperation is a cornerstone of economic relations and continues to strengthen.
Earlier on Saturday, officials from both countries attended a business forum in Istanbul. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Turkish firms want to contribute to projects in Pakistan and share expertise as Pakistan transforms its electricity sector.
Digital Cooperation and Turkcell Meeting
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government's commitment to a transparent and investment-friendly business environment, supported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). During a meeting with Turkcell CEO Ali Taha Koc in Istanbul, the prime minister emphasized deepening Pakistan-Turkey cooperation in digital and technology sectors. He shared the vision of a Pakistan-Turkey Digital Corridor to strengthen regional digital connectivity and advance digital infrastructure.
Shehbaz invited Turkcell to explore collaboration in 5G deployment, network optimization, spectrum management, and technology transfer, as well as partnerships in local manufacturing of telecom equipment and software development. Ali Taha Koc appreciated Pakistan's digital transformation agenda and expressed Turkcell's keen interest in collaborating in telecommunications and emerging technologies.
