Turkey: President Erdogan embarks on high-stakes Pakistan visit, focused on strengthening economic, strategic ties
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, arrived in Islamabad late Wednesday for a two-day visit focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation, officials confirmed.
Upon landing at an airport near the capital, Erdogan was received by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and senior government officials. The visit follows an invitation from Sharif, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his stay, Erdogan will co-chair the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), where both nations are expected to sign several agreements.
Additionally, bilateral meetings with Zardari and Sharif are scheduled for Thursday, with discussions centered on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic collaboration.
According to the foreign ministry, the HLSCC session will provide strategic direction for enhancing relations, with the visit described as an effort to “deepen brotherly relations and foster multifaceted cooperation.”
With Pakistan experiencing a rise in militant violence, security has been significantly heightened, with additional police and paramilitary forces deployed to ensure the protection of Erdogan and his delegation.
His arrival coincides with a US Embassy travel advisory, warning of a Pakistani Taliban threat against Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque and advising US citizens to avoid the area until further notice.
