PM Shehbaz describes Pakistan-Turkiye ties as historic friendship evolving into multifaceted strategic partnership

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan and Turkiye had developed their historic friendship into a multifaceted strategic partnership, emphasising the need to expand economic cooperation, investment and joint ventures between the two countries.

Addressing a dinner hosted by the Turkish ambassador in Islamabad to mark the 103rd Republic Day of Turkiye, the prime minister praised Ankara for its support during Marka-e-Haq in May 2025, when Pakistan faced Indian aggression.

Shehbaz said the longstanding relationship between the two countries had evolved into a broad strategic partnership encompassing political dialogue, trade, investment, defence, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

He said Turkiye had stood firmly with Pakistan during a challenging period, demonstrating its continued commitment to bilateral ties.

The prime minister also highlighted the trilateral agreement signed by Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia in Makkah on August 7, describing it as a significant development in their cooperation. He said the agreement strengthened collective deterrence and reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to regional peace and stability.

He stressed that strengthening defence capabilities remained important, but said Pakistan continued to support dialogue, diplomacy, respect for international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Shehbaz further underscored the extensive cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye across economic, trade, educational, cultural and defence sectors.

He also acknowledged Turkiye’s progress in various fields, particularly defence technology, and called for greater collaboration to translate the two countries’ close ties into increased investment and mutually beneficial economic opportunities.