Pakistan and Turkiye have signed multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs), protocols, and cooperation agreements to enhance bilateral ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, oversaw the signing ceremony.
During a joint press conference, PM Shehbaz warmly welcomed President Erdogan and expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen relations between the two nations. He praised Turkiye’s support during Pakistan’s devastating floods and highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries.
Shehbaz acknowledged Turkiye’s consistent support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for Turkiye on the Cyprus issue. He also spoke about Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and concerns regarding terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil.
President Erdogan described Pakistan as a second home and paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal. He announced the signing of 24 agreements covering trade, defence, energy, education, and other sectors. Discussions included a plan to increase trade volume between the two nations to $5 billion and enhance cooperation in defence production.
Erdogan lauded Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism and assured full support in counter terrorism efforts. He also reaffirmed Turkiye’s backing for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on UN resolutions. The Turkish president emphasized the role of Turkiye’s Maarif Foundation schools in Pakistan’s education sector and acknowledged Pakistan’s support on the Cyprus issue.
PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan signed a joint declaration for the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting to strengthen the strategic partnership. Agreements were also signed between various ministries and organizations from both countries, covering trade, energy, defence, agriculture, science, media, and other key areas.
Finance and trade ministers from both sides exchanged MoUs related to export credit, verification of origin certificates, and industrial property cooperation. Defence agreements included personnel exchange, cooperation in Air Force electronic warfare, and military health training. Energy agreements covered hydrocarbons, energy transition, and mining.
Further agreements were signed in areas such as religious education, water resource management, digital trade verification, and cooperation in public relations and media. Both sides also signed MoUs at the Pakistan-Turkiye Business Forum to promote economic collaboration.
Erdogan emphasized the importance of increasing investment and trade cooperation, stating that Turkish investors are encouraged to explore opportunities in Pakistan. He reiterated Turkiye’s support for Pakistan in fighting terrorism and emphasized the need for stronger economic ties.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to deepening Pakistan-Turkiye relations, with both sides pledging continued collaboration in multiple sectors to benefit both nations.
