Islamabad, 13 February 2025: Pakistan and Turkiye have reiterated their commitment to further improve bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, energy, defence, tourism, and people-to-people contacts for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries. Emphasizing the vast potential for enhanced economic cooperation, both sides underscored the need to increase trade and investment relations.
These matters of mutual interest were discussed during a meeting between the visiting Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Welcoming President Erdoğan, and his delegation, President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan and Turkiye enjoyed historic fraternal ties and supported each other on various international fora. He underscored that President Erdogan’s visit held special significance for the people of Pakistan and would help further solidify bilateral relations.
The President stated that Pakistan offered an investment-friendly environment and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to see enhanced investment by the Turkish enterprises in Pakistan including in the stock market and other key areas of the economy.
He called for increasing cooperation in the banking sectors of the two countries to facilitate businesses and boost bilateral trade volume to its fullest potential. He underscored the need for increased connectivity and air links between Pakistan and Turkiye to encourage tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Pak Turkiye Trade USD 1.4 billion – Leaders Vow to Increase to USD 5 billion per Annum
The meeting also discussed regional and international issues, particularly Gaza and Syria, and agreed to work together to promote peace and stability in the region and globally. He thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Turkiye’s principled support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
President Erdogan reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties, and stated that he would continue to encourage Turkiye’s companies to invest in Pakistan and wanted to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion.
The Turkish President called for enhancing people-to-people relations to pass on the friendship to succeeding generations. He lauded the advancement and stability achieved by Pakistan.
He also thanked the President for Pakistan’s continued support to Turkiye on the Cyprus issue. He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
Following the meeting, President Asif Ali Zardari hosted a banquet in honour of President Erdogan, First Lady Emine Erdogan, and the Turkish delegation.
He pointed out that the Afghan Taliban face challenges beyond instability, including their inability to establish an inclusive government, ensure girls’ education, and prevent their territory from being used for terrorism.
Ambassador Saleem commended Uzbekistan for its proactive approach to fostering regional connectivity and expressed optimism for potential collaboration on various China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also suggested that establishing the Central Asia + Pakistan think tank forum at the IRS would promote meaningful discussions, particularly concerning Afghanistan.
Other participants included former Ambassador and Chief Research Fellow Mr. Kadambay Sultanov and Lead Research Fellow Mr. Alouddin Komilov.
The discussions focused on expanding the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan through think tank collaboration, establishing an Expert Council on regional connectivity, and launching the Central Asia, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan (CAPA) center at the IRS. The event was well attended by diplomats, researchers, students and journalists.
