ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye on Thursday on the sidelines of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP31 Leaders Summit. The two leaders reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, said a Prime Minister's Office news release.
They held wide-ranging discussions on ways to further enhance cooperation, with particular focus on trade and investment, defence collaboration, energy cooperation and connectivity. Both leaders stressed the importance of expediting the implementation of ongoing initiatives and exploring new opportunities to deepen economic engagement. The prime minister and the president also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader global developments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the ongoing efforts by regional countries, particularly members of the Makkah Accord, to promote de-escalation and dialogue. President Erdogan appreciated Pakistan's constructive role and mediation efforts, which led to the signing of the Islamabad MoU. The Prime Minister thanked the Turkish president for his steadfast support and close coordination throughout Pakistan's diplomatic effort.