Islamabad: Pakistan and Turkiye have reiterated their commitment to further improve bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, energy, defense, tourism, and people-to-people contacts. This resolve was expressed at a meeting between the visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, both sides emphasized the vast potential for enhanced economic cooperation and underscored the need to increase trade and investment relations. President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed President Erdogan and his delegation, highlighting the historic fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and their mutual support on various international fora. Zardari noted that Erdogan’s visit holds special significance for the people of Pakistan and will help solidify bilateral relations.
President Zardari further stated that Pakistan offers an investment-friendly environment and reiterated Islamabad’s desire for increased Turkish investment, including in the stock market and key areas of the economy. He also called for greater cooperation in the banking sectors to facilitate businesses and boost bilateral trade to its fullest potential. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of increased connectivity and air links between the two countries to encourage tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties.
The meeting also addressed regional and international issues, particularly concerning Gaza and Syria, with both leaders agreeing to work together to promote peace and stability. President Zardari expressed gratitude to President Erdogan for Turkiye’s principled support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
President Erdogan reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties and expressed the resolve to continue encouraging Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan to raise bilateral trade to five billion dollars. He also called for enhancing people-to-people relations to pass on the friendship to succeeding generations and lauded the advancement and stability achieved by Pakistan. Furthermore, he thanked President Zardari for Pakistan’s continued support on the Cyprus issue and advocated for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through dialogue and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Following the meeting, President Asif Ali Zardari hosted a banquet in honor of President Erdogan, First Lady Emine Erdogan, and the Turkish delegation.