Turkey's Erdoğan vows continued cooperation with Pakistan after bilateral talks

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Istanbul for a joint press conference. The leaders said they will maintain solidarity with “brother countries” to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and stressed Turkey’s monitoring of Israel’s actions in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Pakistan across energy, transport, critical minerals and information technology, and highlighted ongoing defence projects. Both sides confirmed the goal of raising bilateral trade to $5 billion and discussed a special economic zone for Pakistani investors in Karachi as well as expanding a preferential trade agreement.

The presidents also expressed condolences for a recent bus‑accident tragedy in Pakistan’s Belucistan province, offering sympathy on behalf of the Turkish people.