Pakistan and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion, while agreeing to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, information technology, defence, mining, infrastructure, and special economic zones (SEZs).

The commitment was reiterated during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, where both leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan and Türkiye as "one soul in two bodies," emphasizing the longstanding friendship built on shared history, faith, and mutual support. He said both countries have consistently stood by each other during times of crisis and are now focused on giving fresh momentum to their economic partnership.

The prime minister said discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, encouraging investment in Pakistan's Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and increasing cooperation across key sectors. He reaffirmed that both countries remain fully committed to achieving the $5 billion bilateral trade target.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in Pakistan-Türkiye relations and reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to strengthening collaboration in energy, defence, information technology, transport, petroleum exploration, and minerals.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments. President Erdogan appreciated Pakistan's diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, describing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as an important step toward regional and global peace. He stressed that Türkiye would continue supporting efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Erdogan for Türkiye's continued support on issues of importance to Pakistan, particularly Kashmir, while reaffirming Pakistan's support for Türkiye's position on Cyprus.

Ahead of the 8th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting later this year, both sides agreed to accelerate work on existing agreements and identify new areas of economic collaboration.

During the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Forum, Prime Minister Shehbaz invited Turkish businesses to invest in Pakistan's industry, mining, energy, information technology, manufacturing, and privatization programme. He announced that 1,000 acres of land have been allocated in Karachi's Special Economic Zone for Turkish investors to establish industrial projects.

The prime minister said Pakistan aims to benefit from Türkiye's experience in industrial development, privatization, automotive manufacturing, textiles, and agriculture, adding that both governments are willing to sign government-to-government agreements to facilitate new investments.

The Pakistani delegation also highlighted investment opportunities across several sectors. Officials presented reforms in power, petroleum, mining, infrastructure, aviation, telecommunications, healthcare, and information technology, while noting that Pakistan's IT exports are currently growing by around 20% annually.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz met Turkcell Chief Executive Officer Ali Taha Koç, where he proposed establishing a Pakistan-Türkiye Digital Corridor to enhance cooperation in 5G technology, digital infrastructure, software development, telecommunications manufacturing, technology transfer, and digital skills development.

The prime minister also held meetings with senior executives of Çalık Holding, Albayrak Group, and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), encouraging greater Turkish investment in Pakistan's energy, mining, logistics, ports, telecommunications, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Turkish business leaders welcomed Pakistan's ongoing economic reforms and expressed interest in expanding their long-term investments in the country.