04.07.2026 17:50
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking at a joint press conference following the meetings, Erdogan said, "We must not allow the current Israeli government, which is addicted to war, to once again drown our region in the smell of gunpowder and blood," while Sharif stated, "With the great support of my brother Erdogan, Pakistan was able to mediate between the US and Iran. Without Erdogan's sincere support, this task would have been almost impossible."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Following the welcoming ceremony at Vahdettin Mansion, President Erdoğan and Pakistan Prime Minister Sharif proceeded to a bilateral meeting.
During the closed-door meeting, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Head İbrahim Kalın, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, and President's Security and Foreign Policy Chief Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç were present.
The leaders held an inter-delegation meeting after the bilateral talks.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: ISLAMABAD AGREEMENT GAVE THE WORLD A BREATH OF FRESH AIR President Erdoğan, one of the two leaders who appeared before the cameras and held a joint press conference after the inter-delegation meeting, conveyed a message of determination regarding the strengthening of bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues.
Starting his speech by expressing his sorrow over a traffic accident in Pakistan's Balochistan province that claimed many lives, Erdoğan said, "I pray to Almighty Allah for mercy for my deceased Pakistani brothers. I extend my condolences to my brother Shehbaz Sharif on behalf of my country and nation."
Stating that in the meetings, bilateral relations along with critical regional and global issues were discussed in detail, Erdoğan particularly drew attention to the importance of the Islamabad agreement. Expressing that the achieved calm has given the entire world a deep breath, he noted the following;
Recent news reflected in the international press reveals the difficulties with which the negotiation process was conducted. I once again congratulate my esteemed brother Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and our Pakistani brothers for their great efforts in achieving this outcome. We have especially supported and continue to support every step that will contribute to reducing tensions in our region and solving problems through diplomacy.
"THE MASSACRE CADRE DOES NOT LEAVE LEBANON AND SYRIA ALONE" We are closely monitoring the provocations of the Israeli administration aimed at sabotaging the agreement. The Zionist massacre cadre, which ties its political survival to the continuation of conflicts in the region, does not leave Lebanon and Syria alone. Israeli occupation forces also continue their unlawful and inhumane attacks against the oppressed in Gaza. We must not allow the war-addicted current Israeli government to once again drown our geography in the smell of gunpowder and blood. Turkey desires an atmosphere where all residents of the region, regardless of their faith, live in peace and security. We are making every effort to establish such an atmosphere. On this occasion, I find it useful to particularly emphasize the following point: No solution that does not draw strength from the will and contribution of regional countries can be permanent. We will continue to work in solidarity with brotherly countries, especially Pakistan, to strengthen peace, stability, and prosperity in our region.
"WE CONFIRMED THE 5 BILLION DOLLAR TRADE TARGET" 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 confirmed our target of raising our trade volume to the previously determined level of 5 billion dollars. Our trade ministries are working, especially on the special economic zone planned to be established for our businesspeople in Karachi. Similarly, discussions are ongoing regarding expanding the scope of our Preferential Trade Agreement. I believe that the business forum 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. I believe that these projects, which we are implementing step by step, will add strength to Pakistan's power. We want to deepen our cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of energy, transportation, critical minerals, and information technologies. Today, we once again confirmed our determination with the Prime Minister.
SHARIF: TURKEY HAS ACHIEVED A SIGNIFICANT TRANSFORMATION UNDER ERDOĞAN'S LEADERSHIP Taking the floor after President Erdoğan, Pakistani leader Shehbaz Sharif said the following: "President Erdoğan strengthened Turkey's prestige, boosted its self-confidence, and reinforced its independent voice. Turkey is now one of the most influential countries globally. We can say that Pakistan and Turkey are two hearts in one spirit. Under Erdoğan's leadership, Turkey has achieved a significant transformation technologically, economically, and strategically. Mrs. Emine Erdoğan has also generously supported people affected by the floods. We are carrying out these works within the framework of the 5 billion dollar mutual trade target. As Pakistan, we will continue to stand together with Turkey. We will continue this unity regarding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Turkey's success is Pakistan's success, and Pakistan's progress is Turkey's progress."