Islamabad and Ankara have reiterated resolve to support each other on core issues of national interest, including Türkiye’s support for Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan's support for Turkiye's stance on the Cyprus issue.

The resolve was expressed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s bilateral meeting with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo today.

Both the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations for a promised homeland. They condemned the Israeli genocidal actions against the innocent Palestinians, particularly the worsening situation since 7 October last year. 

They also discussed the latest situation in the Middle East and Syria.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored that the historic, fraternal and multi-dimensional relations between Pakistan and Turkiye are without parallel and have withstood the test of time. He noted with deep appreciation tremendous strides made by Türkiye under President Erdogan’s leadership.

On bilateral note, the Prime Minister emphasized that the two countries should increase economic cooperation in new areas for foreign investment and joint ventures, particularly in IT, agriculture and green technology.

Shehbaz Sharif also renewed his invitation to President Erdogan to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience for co-chairing the 7th session of High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad.

The two leaders held wide-ranging talks and discussed further strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly boosting economic ties to achieve the bilateral trade target of five billion US dollars set by the two leaders.

They agreed to continue to work together for further deepening economic, trade, and defense cooperation.

In his remarks, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Pakistan-Türkiye brotherhood and friendship is deep rooted in history and the people of Türkiye have a special place in their hearts for Pakistan.

Highlighting the enhanced collaboration between the two countries in various fields, President Erdogan stressed the need to closely work together to promote regional peace and stability.

He appreciated notable improvement in Pakistan's economy under Prime Minister Shehbaz Shehbaz Sharif, and also lauded Pakistan for sending substantial humanitarian support to Palestine and Lebanon.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also attended the meeting.