Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Sunday for a two-day official visit to Turkiye, aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation and expressing gratitude for Turkiye’s steadfast support during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India.
Upon his arrival at the airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Turkish Defence Minister Yashar Guler, Istanbul’s Deputy Governor Erdogan Turan Ermis, Pakistan’s Ambassador Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nouman Aslam, along with senior Turkish officials and members of the Pakistani diplomatic corps based in Turkiye.
During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders will engage in detailed discussions to enhance collaboration in various sectors including defence, economic development, tourism, and cultural exchange.
A central purpose of the visit is to personally thank the people of Turkiye and President Erdogan for their unwavering diplomatic and moral support during the recent India-Pakistan standoff. Turkiye, in line with its consistent policy, fully backed Pakistan’s principled position in the aftermath of the alleged false flag operation in Pahalgam orchestrated by India.
Accompanying the Prime Minister on this important visit are Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatimi.
This trip is part of a broader regional tour that will also take the Prime Minister to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. During these visits, he will hold comprehensive discussions with regional leaders on a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues, aiming to foster greater understanding and cooperation.
Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, scheduled for Thursday and Friday. The visit underscores Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach to friendly nations that stood by its side during challenging times and highlights efforts to strengthen regional ties.
