Shehbaz Sharif thanks Erdogan, vows stronger Pakistan-Turkey ties
12:46, 18/04/2026, SaturdayU: Update: 12:47, 18/04/2026, Saturday
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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his Antalya visit with high praise for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's hospitality. Following the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Sharif reaffirmed Islamabad's dedication to deepening strategic cooperation with Ankara. The leaders emphasized expanding trade partnerships and defense collaboration while reinforcing historical bonds between the two nations.
Gratitude for Turkish Hospitality
Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound appreciation for the reception afforded to his delegation during their stay in Türkiye's Mediterranean resort city. In remarks shared via social media platform X, the Pakistani premier characterized President Erdogan as his
dear brother
while commending the generous arrangements made throughout the official visit. The delegation departed Antalya following participation in the prestigious diplomatic gathering held April 17-19.Strategic Partnership Commitments
The Islamabad government remains firmly committed to advancing its comprehensive relationship with Ankara across multiple sectors. Sharif emphasized a renewed dedication to fortifying the fraternal connections binding the two Muslim-majority nations. Future cooperation will prioritize regional stability initiatives, enhanced dialogue mechanisms, and sustained collaboration within multilateral institutions addressing shared geopolitical challenges.
Antalya Diplomacy Forum Highlights
The fifth edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum convened global leaders under the theme
Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties
. Hosted by the Turkish Foreign Ministry under President Erdogan's auspices, the summit attracted senior officials worldwide to discuss navigating international instability. Sharif's attendance underscored Pakistan's engagement with major diplomatic platforms in the broader Asian and Middle Eastern regions.Historical and Economic Foundations
Ankara and Islamabad maintain robust bilateral relations founded upon cultural commonalities and consistent mutual support regarding sovereignty matters. Recent high-level exchanges have concentrated on amplifying commercial exchanges, strengthening defense industrial partnerships, and developing connectivity corridors linking South Asia with the Middle East. Both capitals continue coordinating positions within international organizations to advance mutual strategic interests.