President Zardari's Vision for Trade with Turkiye.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing bilateral collaboration in trade, economy, energy, defense, tourism, and interpersonal relations for the mutual advantage of both nations.

The visiting Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and President Asif Ali Zardari discussed subjects of mutual interest at a Thursday meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Both parties highlighted the necessity of augmenting trade and investment connections, stressing the potential for improved economic collaboration.

In welcoming President Erdogan and his entourage, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that Pakistan and Turkiye share a historic bond of fraternity and have always supported one another in numerous international forums.

He emphasized that President Erdogan’s visit was significant to the people of Pakistan and would contribute to strengthening bilateral relations.

The president asserted that Pakistan provides a conducive environment for investment and emphasized the nation’s aspiration for Turkish businesses to increase their investments, particularly in the stock market and other vital sectors of the economy.

He advocated for enhanced collaboration in the banking sectors of both countries to facilitate commerce and maximize bilateral trade volume.

He emphasized the necessity for improved connectivity and air links between Pakistan and Turkey to promote tourism and fortify interpersonal relations.

The meeting addressed regional and international matters, specifically Gaza and Syria, and agreed to collaborate to foster peace and stability regionally and worldwide. He expressed gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Turkey’s steadfast support of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

The Path to $5 Billion: Turkiye and Pakistan Unite for Trade.

President Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiye’s dedication to enhancing bilateral economic relations and stated his intention to persist in promoting investments by Turkiye’s enterprises in Pakistan.

He aimed to elevate bilateral trade to $5 billion.

The Turkish president advocated improving interpersonal interactions to transmit friendship to future generations. He praised Pakistan’s progress and stability. The president thanked Pakistan for its ongoing support of Turkey regarding the Cyprus problem.

He asserted that the Jammu and Kashmir conflict needs to be addressed through negotiation and the UN Security Council’s resolutions.

After the meeting, President Asif Ali Zardari held a banquet to honor President Erdogan, First Lady Emine Erdogan, and the Turkish delegation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is accorded a guard of honor at the prime minister’s residence.

A well-dressed contingent of armed troops greeted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon his arrival at PM House on Thursday.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan landed in Islamabad for a two-day official visit to Pakistan. Upon his arrival, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz A. formally deployed a detachment of military personnel to commemorate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at PM House on Thursday.

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 president upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase.

Prime Minister Shehbaz cordially received President Erdogan at the primary entrance of the PM House.

Upon arrival, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif graciously received the Turkish president.

A special reception occurred at the Prime Minister’s House to commemorate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A group of military troops provided a guard of honor for a visiting dignitary, and the national anthems of both nations were performed.

During their visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan will co-chair the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Following the session, a joint declaration, along with many significant agreements and memoranda of understanding, is anticipated to be signed.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will have bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.

The Investment Forum, attended by prominent investors, will include businesspeople from both parties. In conjunction with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkey and Pakistan aim to increase bilateral trade by $5 billion.

President Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan are conducting a press conference in Islamabad.

Turkey and Pakistan intend to elevate bilateral trade to TL180.5 billion ($5 billion) in 2024, following a 30 percent annual increase to $1.4 billion.

“In 2024, the bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Pakistan peaked,” said Daily Sabah, citing President Tayyip Erdoğan’s address at a business gathering in Islamabad.

He stated that Turkey is broadening the parameters of its preferential trade agreement with Pakistan, transforming it into a free agreement that will enhance trade volume.

In May 2023, Pakistan reduced tariffs on 130 product categories, whereas Turkey decreased levies on 261 products.

According to local Pakistani media, local Pakistani media, citing Erdogan following his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, reported that Turkish investors would be incentivized to invest in Pakistan and initiate significant projects.

Erdoğan visited Pakistan on Wednesday following his trips to Malaysia and Indonesia.

This week, Baykar, a Turkish defense contractor, finalized an agreement with the Jakarta-based defense firm Republikorp to establish a drone manufacturing facility in Indonesia.

Pakistan-Turkey Alliance.

The lasting relationship between Pakistan and Turkey, established since Pakistan’s founding in 1947, exemplifies mutual respect and camaraderie.

Turkey was among the first nations to acknowledge Pakistan and consistently advocated for its UN membership, establishing the foundation for resilient, persistent cooperation.

The current visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. A man identified with the relationships serves as a reminder of this entrenched relationship, having visited Pakistan five times as Prime Minister and President.

President Erdo’s engagement with Pakistan during his visit, coupled with the diplomatic honors he received, including the honor guard, highlights the importance of this alliance.

Erdo distinguished himself as a hero during the catastrophic floods of 2022, actively participating in relief efforts, which has endeared him to numerous Pakistanis.

Notwithstanding this profound historical linkage and the progress in defense and diplomacy, the economic sector has lagged.

The recent claim to elevate bilateral trade from $1.5 billion to a target of $5 billion is praiseworthy but insufficient. Reality necessitates more than assurances; it requires implementable strategies to convert diplomatic goodwill into concrete economic advantages.

Both nations must seize the opportunity afforded by Turkey’s aspirations to enhance its influence in South Asia and the Middle East. This aligns seamlessly with Pakistan’s strategic positioning. The potential inclusion of Turks in initiatives such as the CPEC frequently mentioned yet seldom pursued.