President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who came to Turkey at his invitation, at Vahdettin Pavilion. Following bilateral and delegation-level talks, President Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif held a joint press conference.
Erdogan delivered important messages: We exchanged views with my brother, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, primarily on our bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. First and foremost, the entire world breathed a deep sigh of relief thanks to the calm achieved through the Islamabad agreement. Reports reflected in the international press in recent days reveal the difficulties under which the negotiation process is being conducted.
I once again congratulate my dear brother Prime Minister Sharif and our Pakistani brothers and sisters for their great efforts in achieving this outcome. We have particularly supported and continue to support every step that contributes to reducing tensions in our region and resolving problems through diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the Israeli administration's provocations aimed at dynamiting the agreement.
The Zionist massacre squad, which ties its political survival to the continuation of conflicts in the region, does not leave Lebanon and Syria in particular alone. The Israeli occupation forces also continue their unlawful and inhumane attacks against the oppressed in Gaza. The war-addicted current Israeli government must not be allowed to engulf our region again in the smell of gunpowder and blood.
Turkey wants a climate to prevail in which all residents of the region, regardless of their faith, live in peace and security. We are making every effort to establish such a climate. I would like to take this opportunity to particularly underline the following point. No solution that does not draw strength from the will and contribution of the region's countries can be lasting.
We will continue our solidarity with brotherly countries, especially Pakistan, to strengthen peace, stability and prosperity in our region. Our solidarity with Pakistan continues in every field. Today we also discussed the steps we can take to further develop our trade and investment relations in a manner befitting this solidarity. We reaffirmed our goal of raising our trade volume to the previously set level of 5 billion dollars.
Our trade ministries are working on the Special Economic Zone planned to be established in Karachi for our businesspeople. Similarly, negotiations are ongoing to expand the scope of our preferential trade agreement. I believe the business forum that Mr. Sharif attended today will also contribute to our relations in terms of investment and trade.
We are also encouraging our investors to engage in more activities in Pakistan. Our cooperation in the defense industry, one of the most important elements of our economic relations, is developing day by day with new projects.
Cooperation in information technologies, energy and transportation
We want to deepen our cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of energy, transportation, critical minerals and information technologies. We once again reaffirmed our determination with the Prime Minister today. As I conclude my remarks with these thoughts, I hope that today's meeting and the decisions we addressed will bring about auspicious outcomes.
Turkey stood by us like a rock
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif: Yunus Emre beautifully expressed that the heart is the most beautiful home for friends. As two brotherly countries, two friendly nations, we always feel at home by each other's side. This has been passed down from generation to generation with a spirit of generosity and brotherhood. Turkey stood by Pakistan like a rock in difficult times.
Thanks to President Erdogan's dynamic and courageous leadership, Turkey has undergone a great change and transformation in recent years. Turkey has not only strengthened itself internally during this process but has also increased its influence and weight in global issues. The economic partnership between the two countries will advance on a stronger footing. Turkey's success is Pakistan's success, our goal is always common.
We may live in different lands, but the same light illuminates us. Long live the friendship between Turkey and Pakistan. Following the welcoming ceremony at Vahdettin Pavilion, President Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif proceeded to a bilateral meeting.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director İbrahim Kalın, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, and Presidential Security and Foreign Policy Chief Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç were present at the meeting, which was closed to the press.
