ISLAMABAD: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a two-day official visit, where he was warmly received by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other senior government officials welcomed the Turkish leader upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase.
A 21-gun salute marked President Erdogan’s arrival, while his special aircraft was escorted into Pakistani airspace by Pakistan Air Force jets. Children dressed in traditional attire presented bouquets to the Turkish President and First Lady, as they waved the flags of both nations. The welcoming ceremony also featured a military band performance.
During his visit, President Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will co-chair the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. The session is expected to conclude with the signing of a Joint Declaration along with several key agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
Additionally, the Turkish President will hold separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. He will also address the Pakistan-Turkiye Business and Investment Forum alongside the Pakistani premier, engaging with top investors, business leaders, and companies from both nations.
Highlighting the significance of the visit, the Foreign Office stated, “Pakistan and Turkiye share historic and brotherly ties. President Erdogan’s visit and the 7th Session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council will further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.”
