CAIRO (Urdu Times) PM Shehbaz, President Erdogan Discuss Economic Cooperation, Regional Stability at D-8 Summit
By Rehan Khan
CAIRO: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 11th D-8 Summit on Thursday, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, boosting economic collaboration, and addressing regional issues.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the historic, fraternal, and multi-dimensional relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye, describing it as unparalleled and resilient through the test of time. He commended Türkiye’s progress under President Erdogan’s leadership and called for enhanced economic cooperation in sectors such as IT, agriculture, and green technology to attract foreign investment and promote joint ventures.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to achieving the bilateral trade target of $5 billion, emphasizing the need to deepen cooperation in trade, defense, and other key areas. They agreed to continue working closely to strengthen ties and unlock the economic potential of both nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s consistent support for Pakistan on core national issues, particularly its advocacy for the Kashmiri people. In return, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for Türkiye’s position on the Cyprus issue.
Condemning Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, both leaders voiced unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to a promised homeland. They discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Middle East and Syria, calling for an end to the violence and highlighting the urgent need for international solidarity.
President Erdogan acknowledged Pakistan-Türkiye relations as deeply rooted in history and noted the strong bond between the two nations. He praised the recent improvement in Pakistan’s economy under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and lauded Islamabad’s significant humanitarian aid to Palestine and Lebanon amid the ongoing crisis.
Stressing the importance of regional peace and stability, President Erdogan called for closer collaboration between the two nations. He also expressed a desire to further expand cooperation across various fields.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed his invitation for President Erdogan to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience to co-chair the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad, aiming to further strengthen the strategic partnership.
