Sharif's Turkey Visit Advances Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has arrived in Turkey for a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following Erdogan's visit to Islamabad in February when both countries co-chaired the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). During that session, Pakistan and Turkey signed 24 agreements aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion and deepening cooperation in defense, energy, and Turkish investment in Pakistan. Sharif and his delegation will hold comprehensive talks with Turkish leaders on regional developments, economic collaboration, and ongoing institutional cooperation mechanisms such as the HLSCC. Both sides are expected to reaffirm their commitment to projects like the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul trade corridor and the development of a special economic zone for Turkish firms in Pakistan. The visit underscores the historic, strategic, and cultural ties between the two nations. It highlights their ongoing robust dialogue and shared vision for regional peace, development, and prosperity.