Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan completed a four-nation tour in Turkiye on Monday, holding talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and expressing gratitude for Turkey’s support amidst recent tensions with India. He has reached Iran after completing the visit.

The meeting, described by the Prime Minister’s Office as reaffirming “principled support for each other’s core concerns, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” saw both leaders advocate for increased joint ventures and investment in sectors such as renewable energy, IT, defense production, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The two countries aim to achieve a $5 billion annual bilateral trade target, a goal discussed during the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Islamabad earlier this year. The leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to elevating their strategic partnership.

Beyond bilateral matters, Prime Minister Sharif and President Erdogan addressed pressing regional and international issues, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access.

Prime Minister Sharif, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, extended heartfelt thanks to Turkey for its unwavering support during recent events in South Asia, praising Turkiye’s principled stance and the outpouring of goodwill from the Turkish people. He highlighted the courage and sacrifice of Pakistan’s armed forces in recent operations. The meeting included a delegation-level discussion with key officials from both countries, including Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, Prime Minister Sharif was welcomed by Turkish Defence Minister Yashar Guler and other dignitaries.

Following his two-day visit to Turkiye, Prime Minister Sharif will continue his tour to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.