Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Friday for a high-level bilateral visit to Turkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The visit aims to significantly deepen strategic cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding trade and investment between the two nations.
The prime minister was received at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport by Turkish Trade Minister Professor Dr Omer Bolat and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid. Senior diplomatic officials from both the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the Pakistani Embassy were also present at the arrival.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, are accompanying the premier during this diplomatic tour.
The composition of the delegation underscores the high priority Islamabad places on reinforcing its long-standing fraternal ties with Ankara.
During the scheduled leadership summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan will hold comprehensive discussions reviewing all facets of bilateral relations. The two leaders are also slated to exchange views on pressing issues concerning regional peace and security.
As a core engagement of the itinerary, the prime minister will address a Pakistan-hosted business conference in Istanbul designed to showcase domestic investment opportunities. The forum aims to attract prominent Turkish business leaders, investors, and senior government executives to explore new commercial partnerships.
The economic conference will specifically highlight lucrative prospects within Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ’s), energy infrastructure, information technology, and ongoing state privatisation initiatives. Both nations have continually reaffirmed their commitment to translating their close political and defence ties into robust economic collaboration.
