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Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen their long-standing partnership by expanding trade, increasing investment and promoting closer cooperation in defence and other key sectors. The commitments were made during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul.
Both leaders reaffirmed their goal of increasing annual bilateral trade to $5 billion and directed officials to speed up work on initiatives that can improve business ties between the two countries. One of the key proposals discussed was the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karachi to encourage more Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan.
They also agreed to continue efforts to improve the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) by reducing trade barriers and creating better opportunities for businesses in both countries. Energy, transport, information technology and critical minerals were highlighted as sectors with strong potential for future cooperation.
LIVE: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul
https://t.co/zfHxB1FP7Q— TRT World (@trtworld)
July 4, 2026
Regional issues also featured prominently during the talks. President Erdogan praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to support dialogue between the United States and Iran, saying such initiatives contribute to regional peace and stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace through diplomacy and welcomed Türkiye’s continued support on important regional matters. He noted that stronger regional cooperation could also create new economic opportunities for neighbouring countries.
Defence cooperation remained another major focus of the meeting. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the progress of ongoing defence projects and agreed to continue working together on long-term initiatives aimed at strengthening strategic relations.
Addressing the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Forum, Prime Minister Shehbaz described Türkiye as one of Pakistan’s closest and most trusted partners. He said the historic friendship between the two nations should now be transformed into stronger trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
The prime minister also praised Türkiye’s economic progress and industrial development over the past two decades, particularly its achievements in manufacturing and the defence sector. He invited Turkish investors to explore new opportunities in Pakistan and assured them of the government’s full support.
The latest meeting reflects the growing commitment of both countries to deepen economic, diplomatic and strategic ties while expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
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