Pakistan, Turkiye determined to transform historic ties into lasting strategic partnership: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan and Turkiye had transformed their historic ties into a “multifaceted strategic partnership”, while stressing the need for stronger economic cooperation, investment and joint ventures between the two countries.

Addressing a dinner hosted at the residence of the Turkish ambassador in Islamabad to mark Turkiye’s 103rd Republic Day, PM Shehbaz said Turkiye had stood firmly alongside Pakistan when it had faced Indian aggression during Marka-e-Haq in May 2025.

The premier noted: “Our historic friendship has matured into a multifaceted strategic partnership spanning political dialogue, trade and investment, defence, education, culture and people-to-people ties.”

Read: Pakistan, Turkiye to deepen ties

“Last year, during Marka-e-Haq, when Pakistan faced flagrant aggression from India and our sovereignty was put to a great test, Turkiye stood firmly by our side with unwavering commitment and dedication,” he stated.

The premier added that the Makkah agreement, signed on August 7 by Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, marked an important milestone between the two countries, further adding that the agreement “strengthened collective deterrence” and reaffirmed the shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

“While we strengthen our defences, we continue to champion dialogue, diplomacy, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he remarked.

The premier underlined that Pakistan and Turkiye maintained cooperation in economic, trade, educational, cultural and defence sectors, further adding that Turkiye was playing a leading role in various fields, including defence technologies.

PM Shehbaz underscored that the economic relationship must now “rise to the level of the two countries’ political and strategic ties”, urging Turkish business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.

“Our economic partnership must now match the height of our political and strategic bond,” he stated.

While recalling his announcement at the Pakistan-Turkiye Business Conference in Istanbul in July, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had proposed establishing the President Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone in Karachi to encourage Turkish investment.

The premier invited Turkish businessmen to explore Pakistan’s investment potential, adding that Pakistan had a young population, strategic location and growing economic opportunities.

Read More: Pakistan, Turkiye set $5b trade target

“Let us translate the goodwill between our two peoples into joint ventures, shared prosperity and meaningful jobs for our young people,” he added.

“Pakistan and Turkiye are two bodies with one soul,” the premier remarked at the conclusion of his speech.

In an earlier post on X, PM Shehbaz said the two countries shared an exceptional bond of brotherhood, rooted in common history, mutual trust and unwavering solidarity.

“Our enduring friendship, which continues to expand in scope and substance, transcends borders and generations, strengthened by our shared values and common aspirations. As we join the people of Türkiye to celebrate this momentous occasion, I am confident that Pakistan and Türkiye will continue to work together to advance peace and stability in our region and beyond.”

Turkish Republic Day felicitations

Meanwhile, President Zardari emphasised the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s “historic partnership” with Turkiye through closer cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, culture and other areas of mutual interest.

In a statement on X, the Office of the president said that President Zardari highlighted the “exceptional bond of brotherhood between the two countries, rooted in common history, faith, shared values and enduring ties between their peoples”.

According to the statement, President Zardari said that Pakistan deeply valued the solidarity and generous support extended by the Turkish leadership and people during challenging times, further expressing confidence that the historic partnership between the two countries would continue to flourish through enhanced political engagement and closer cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

“Referring to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the President expressed confidence that the agreement would further strengthen bilateral and trilateral relations, deepen strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia and contribute to lasting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond,” it further added.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also congratulated President Erdogan and the Turkish people on the “completion of 103 years since the establishment of the Republic of Turkey”.

In a post on X, Bilawal said that in Pakistan, the name of Turkey was always uttered with a special affection, adding that “this sense of kinship” was our precious asset, and that it was his “wish that every new generation of both countries contribute to this love”.

He added: “Today, we Pakistanis are also sharing in the joys of the Turkish people. Although the colors of our flags are different, seeing the bright moon and stars on both evokes a single prayer from the heart: may both homelands remain safe, and may the people of both countries live with their heads held high.”

Pakistan-Turkiye bilateral relations

Pakistan and Turkiye share comprehensive bilateral relations that encompass political, economic, cultural and military domains.

On October 21, Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar, and Indonesia signed an agreement to boost defence cooperation and strengthen defensive capabilities. 

The Turkish Defence Ministry said the Badr accord would strengthen ties between the countries’ defence industries and bolster collaboration to promote security and achieve shared objectives.

On August 7, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye formalised their longstanding strategic relationship through the newly signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA). Islamabad and Ankara maintain close defence ties through military training, naval cooperation and defence equipment.

On July 5, Pakistan and Turkey expressed their commitment to increase bilateral trade volume to $5 billion and discussed ways to increase bilateral trade and investment in special economic zones.

Erdogan stated that Turkiye aimed to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in energy, transport, critical minerals, information technology and defence.

On June 26, Pakistan and Turkiye signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at promoting institutional cooperation, strengthening technical collaboration and enhancing the exchange of knowledge between their energy sector institutions.

The MoUs cover cooperation on post-privatisation governance frameworks, electricity market development and regulations governing ancillary services. They will also promote training programmes, study visits and joint projects between the relevant institutions.