Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has arrived in Istanbul on a major official visit aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economic partnership with Turkey through enhanced trade, investment and business cooperation.
The visit comes at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and is expected to further strengthen the close ties between the two friendly countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar are accompanying the Prime Minister on the visit.
Prime Minister Shahbaz was received at the Istanbul airport by Turkish Commerce Minister Prof. Dr. Umar Bolat. Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey Dr. Yusuf Junaid and senior officials of the Turkish Foreign Ministry were also present to welcome the delegation.
An official statement said that the leadership of the two countries will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with a special emphasis on increasing trade volume, promoting investment and identifying new areas of economic cooperation.
Regional peace, security and current international developments will also feature prominently in the talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan as the two leaders reaffirm their commitment to maintaining close diplomatic coordination.
A major highlight of the visit will be the Prime Minister’s address to a business conference in Istanbul, where Pakistan will present investment opportunities in special economic zones, the energy sector, information technology and the government’s ongoing privatization program.
The conference will bring together Turkey’s leading investors, prominent business executives and senior government representatives, offering a platform to encourage new trade partnerships and attract foreign direct investment to Pakistan.
Officials believe that the visit reflects Islamabad’s continued focus on economic diplomacy and could pave the way for stronger trade ties between Pakistan and Turkey in the coming months.