Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed on Monday to enhance “mutually beneficial cooperation” in areas such as trade and security, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.
The two leaders met in New York on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where they discussed bilateral relations and committed to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and security.
The Foreign Office further noted that they reviewed preparations for the upcoming 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), which will be held soon in Islamabad.
In addition to bilateral matters, both leaders called for an “immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to hostilities” as they discussed regional and global issues, particularly the ongoing crisis and humanitarian situation in Gaza.
PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude for Turkey’s steadfast support for the oppressed people of Indian-occupied Kashmir. President Erdogan, in turn, praised PM Shehbaz’s economic policies, highlighting their role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy. He also extended his birthday wishes to the prime minister.
In a post on X, PM Shehbaz expressed his honor in meeting President Erdogan, referring to him as a “dear brother and a great friend of Pakistan.” He reaffirmed mutual support on core interests and discussed regional developments, including the situation in Gaza.
Last month, following the implementation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a high-level Turkish business delegation visited Pakistan to explore investment opportunities and address barriers to enhancing bilateral trade. Turkish Trade Minister Dr. Omer Bolat proposed measures to boost Turkish investment in Pakistan and suggested increasing flight connectivity to promote greater economic exchange.
Meetings with Leaders of Bangladesh and Kuwait
On the sidelines of the UNGA, PM Shehbaz also met with Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Additionally, the prime minister held discussions with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. The two leaders explored cooperation in political, economic, and defense sectors, with PM Shehbaz expressing his intent to strengthen economic ties and investment under Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
