Turkey

Shehbaz Sharif: Turkey's success is Pakistan's success

During a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday following bilateral talks and delegation-level meetings in Istanbul...

Büşranur Keskinkılıç, Mahmut Nabi

04 July 2026 • Updated: 04 July 2026

ANKARA

Ankara/Anadolu

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the friendship between his country and Turkey has always been built on strong emotional ties, stressing that the success of one is the success of the other.

He made the remarks during a joint press conference in Istanbul with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday, following bilateral and delegation-level talks between the two countries.

He said: "Just as Turkey holds a place in the heart of every Pakistani, Pakistan has always found a place in the heart of the Turkish people."

He added that this unique friendship was forged through centuries of shared history, common faith, mutual sacrifices, and a deep-rooted spirit of brotherhood.

He noted that the two countries have stood by each other during difficult times, saying: "This solidarity has resonated exceptionally every time Pakistan faced hardships, whether in wars, devastating earthquakes, or floods, where the Turkish people stood firmly by Pakistan's side."

Sharif also recalled the 2010 floods in Pakistan and President Erdogan's visit to the region, noting that Mrs. Emine Erdogan donated her necklace to support the victims.

Sharif described Turkey and Pakistan as "one soul in two bodies."

He stated: "Among contemporary leaders, there are few who embody the vision, courage, and determination of leadership that President Erdogan has demonstrated over more than 20 years of strong and dynamic leadership. Under his wise leadership, Turkey has witnessed an exceptional economic, technological, and strategic transformation."

He stressed that Erdogan has strengthened Turkey's standing, maintained its independent voice, and made it one of the most influential countries in regional and international affairs, adding: "Pakistan greatly values his friendship, wisdom, guidance, and continuous support."

He mentioned his participation in the 'Turkey-Pakistan Business Forum,' saying: "The optimism, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit I witnessed today reinforce my conviction that the economic partnership between Pakistan and Turkey is entering a new phase under the competent leadership of President Erdogan."

He explained that he held comprehensive and productive meetings with his Turkish counterpart, saying: "We expressed our gratitude for the growing momentum in trade, investment, and industrial cooperation, and we reviewed practical steps to realize the full potential of the economic partnership. The great reservoir of trust between the two countries gives us a unique opportunity to achieve the trade volume target of $5 billion."

He affirmed that Pakistan will continue to stand firmly by Turkey on the issue of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while also expressing 'Pakistan's deep gratitude for the principled and unwavering support Turkey has provided to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their legitimate right to self-determination.'

Sharif added that he and President Erdogan reiterated their shared conviction that dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect remain the only sustainable way to resolve differences and maintain international peace and security.

Sharif also expressed his deep and sincere thanks for Turkey's strong and steadfast support for Pakistan's peace efforts in the region, which culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad.

He explained that 'the decisions we made today will not remain on paper, but will translate into greater trade, stronger investments, deeper strategic cooperation, and above all, a better future for our peoples.'

He added: 'I assure my dear brother President Erdogan of Pakistan's unwavering commitment to strengthening this unique partnership. Turkey's success is Pakistan's success, and Pakistan's progress is Turkey's progress.'