Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Turkey’s success is Pakistan’s success during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday. He described Pakistan and Turkey as two hearts of the same soul and vowed to strengthen their special friendship and cooperation. Sharif expressed gratitude for Erdogan’s warm hospitality and said he always enjoys visiting Istanbul.

Sharif highlighted the deep historical and spiritual ties between the two nations, rooted in shared faith, mutual sacrifices, and brotherhood. He noted that Turkey has always stood by Pakistan during difficult times such as wars, earthquakes, and floods. The two leaders held what Sharif described as a productive and detailed discussion, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and industry, and exploring ways to raise bilateral trade to five billion dollars.

Sharif also thanked Turkey for supporting the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for backing Pakistan’s efforts toward regional peace. He emphasized that dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect are the most effective means to resolve disputes and maintain global peace.