Shehbaz arrives in Istanbul for talks with Erdogan on ties and regional security

ISTANBUL: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Friday for an official visit to Turkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with bilateral relations and regional security set to dominate the talks between the two leaders.

According to a statement, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat received the prime minister at the airport. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid and officials of Turkiye’s foreign ministry were also present on the occasion.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, are accompanying the prime minister during the visit. The statement said Shehbaz and Erdogan will hold detailed discussions covering all areas of Pakistan-Turkiye relations, with particular attention on expanding cooperation in trade and investment. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional peace and security.

During his stay in Istanbul, the prime minister is also scheduled to address a business conference being hosted by Pakistan to present the country’s trade and investment opportunities in priority sectors, including special economic zones, energy, information technology, and privatisation. The event is expected to bring together leading Turkish businesses and investors, as well as senior government officials and other participants.