Pakistan, Turkiye shall 'continue to champion dialogue, diplomacy' alongside bolstering defences: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Thursday that Pakistan and Turkey would persist in advocating for dialogue and diplomacy while simultaneously enhancing their defences within the Makkah Defence Agreement. Addressing an event in Islamabad to celebrate Turkey's 103rd national day, Shehbaz highlighted the significance of the agreement signed on August 7 between Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, describing it as a "significant milestone" in the cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara.

He emphasized that while bolstering their defences, Pakistan and Turkey will remain committed to promoting dialogue, diplomacy, respect for international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The prime minister commended Turkey's support during the May Marka-i-Haq when India launched unilateral aggression against Pakistan, resulting in a four-day conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

He recalled Turkey's unwavering commitment and solidarity during that time, which provided immense comfort and strength to the Pakistani people.

Shehbaz also emphasized that the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey has evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership, encompassing political dialogue, defense, trade, culture, and people-to-people ties. He urged for a matching economic partnership, stating that in July this year, at the Pakistan-Turkey business conference in Istanbul, he announced the establishment of the President Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone in Karachi.

He invited Turkish businessmen to explore opportunities in Pakistan, citing its young population, strategic location, and burgeoning economic prospects.

The prime minister paid tribute to the longstanding historical ties between the two nations, recalling the contributions made during the Khilafat Movement in support of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent humanitarian aid extended by Turkey during Pakistan's 2005 earthquake and the 2010 floods. He noted that 100 years separating the Khilafat Movement and the recent earthquake in Turkey felt like one circle, and when the massive earthquake struck Turkey in February 2023, the people of Pakistan mourned as if the rubble lay upon their own homes.