Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ashgabat on 12 December 2025 during the International Forum marking the International Year of Peace and Trust, where both leaders reaffirmed the historic fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye and highlighted the need to deepen Pak Turkiye ties.
The Prime Minister underlined his satisfaction with frequent leadership-level exchanges over the year and expressed a firm resolve to expand cooperation across political, energy, economic, defence and investment sectors. He welcomed the convening of the 16th session of the Pak-Turkiye Joint Ministerial Commission, noting it will help ensure implementation of decisions taken at the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Energy, petroleum and minerals were identified as priority areas for immediate cooperation. The Prime Minister welcomed Turkish interest and investment in these sectors and urged timely implementation of recently signed MOUs and agreements. Pakistan also sought to benefit from Turkish expertise in the privatization of distribution companies, and both sides agreed to initiate ministerial-level exchanges very soon to advance projects and follow up on commitments.
Regional connectivity was highlighted as a shared priority, with both leaders welcoming the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network as a tangible example of cooperation that can boost trade and strategic links across the region.
On regional and global issues, the two leaders exchanged views on developments affecting peace and stability. The Prime Minister appreciated President Erdogan’s leadership and strong commitment to peace efforts in Gaza and thanked Türkiye for its constructive role in facilitating talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime, while stressing that durable peace would require Pakistan’s security concerns to be fully addressed.
President Erdogan thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his remarks and expressed a clear desire to work closely to build stronger ties. Both sides committed to follow up through planned ministerial exchanges and the upcoming JMC session to translate discussions into concrete action and further strengthen Pak Turkiye ties.
