Summary Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaches Istanbul for talks with President Erdogan focusing on trade, investment, economic cooperation and regional security.
ISTANBUL (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on a bilateral visit to Türkiye at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The prime minister was received at Ataturk Airport by Turkish Trade Minister Prof. Dr. Omer Bolat, Pakistan's Ambassador to Türkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid, officials of Türkiye's Foreign Ministry and members of the Pakistani embassy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar are accompanying the prime minister during the visit.
According to an official statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdoğan will hold comprehensive talks covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-Türkiye relations. Their discussions are expected to centre on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and other strategic sectors, while also exchanging views on regional peace, security, and key international developments.
Minister of Trade of the Republic Türkiye Professor Dr Omer Bolat received Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at Ataturk Airport Istanbul. pic.twitter.com/xLAcczAc82
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 3, 2026
During his stay, the prime minister will address a business conference organised to highlight Pakistan's investment potential. The event will showcase opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), energy, information technology, and the government's privatisation programme.
The conference is expected to attract prominent Turkish investors, business executives, senior government representatives, and other stakeholders, with the objective of encouraging greater economic collaboration between the two countries.
Pakistan and Türkiye continue to enjoy long-standing historical, cultural, and brotherly relations, underpinned by close coordination on bilateral, regional, and global issues.
The visit follows the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdoğan on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April, where both leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
During those talks, President Erdoğan commended Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace and reaffirmed Türkiye's support for Islamabad's diplomatic initiatives. Prime Minister Shehbaz also briefed the Turkish president on efforts to encourage a ceasefire between Iran and the United States and revive negotiations aimed at achieving lasting regional stability.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in Pakistan-Türkiye relations and agreed to convene the 8th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting in Ankara later this year. They also reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating ongoing joint initiatives, exploring new avenues for economic cooperation, and further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two friendly nations.
