ISTANBUL: The target for Pakistan-Türkiye trade was set at $5 billion on Saturday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed strategic ties.
The two leaders made the pledge during a joint press briefing after talks on trade, investment, regional peace and bilateral cooperation.
Erdoğan welcomed Shehbaz and his delegation and said that relations between Pakistan and Türkiye were progressing satisfactorily. The Turkish president said both countries had always stood by each other and would remain loyal partners.
He welcomed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and described it as an important step for global peace. Erdoğan also praised Pakistan’s efforts for peace, development and prosperity.
He said relevant ministries would coordinate on special economic zones and that Türkiye would encourage its business community to invest in Pakistan.
Shehbaz said Pakistan and Türkiye had supported each other during wars, natural disasters and difficult periods.
“The people of Pakistan and Türkiye share a heartfelt bond. Pakistan and Türkiye are one soul in two bodies,” he said.
The prime minister said he held a productive business-to-business conference with Turkish investors.
Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for Türkiye on the Cyprus issue and thanked Ankara for its position on the Kashmir dispute.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Pakistan-Türkiye strategic ties in Istanbul and pledged to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion.