Pakistan and Turkiye reiterated their resolve to strengthen bilateral relations as Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif reached Turkey to express gratitude for extending support to Pakistan in the recent military escalation with India.
A meeting was held between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz in Istanbul on Sunday.
Shehbaz Sharif is accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with key cabinet ministers, began their two-day official visit to Turkiye. The visit to Turkiye is a part of a four-nation visit including Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.
The statement said that in the meeting with President Erdogan, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Turkiye for their unwavering support of Pakistan during the recent conflict with India.
Shehbaz Sharif lauded the support extended by Turkiye to Pakistan in a critical time. He described it as “a source of great comfort and strength” for Pakistan, the statement added.
Sharif recognised the valor and courage of the Pakistan armed forces along with the patriotism demonstrated by the Pakistani nation that resulted in the success of the Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos.
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“The two leaders reiterated their resolve to elevate the [bilateral] strategic partnership to greater heights,” the statement said, adding that both sides “renewed commitment to further deepen the multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye”.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Pakistan’s Ambassador Dr Yusuf Junaid were also part of the Pakistan delegation. President Erdogan also hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation.
“The engagement [between the leaders of the two countries] reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for progress and prosperity,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.