PM Shehbaz holds meeting with Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran
CAIRO (News Desk) Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with the Iranian President H.E. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 11th D-8 summit in Cairo today. Both leaders hoped that the decisions taken at the D-8 Summit will pave the way for enhanced cooperation among D-8 member states in mutually beneficial areas. Both leaders expressed resolve to further strengthen Pak-Iran fraternal ties in all areas of mutual interest, particularly trade and economy, energy, security and regional connectivity. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized on utilizing the vast scope in bilateral trade and economic cooperation by identifying new sectors through various existing institutional mechanisms. In order to develop and improve livelihood of border regions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed onthe importance to operationalize border markets, which have already been inaugurated and work on the inauguration of remaining markets. The two leaders also highlighted the mutual support extended by the two countries on each other’s core issues and reaffirmed commitment to remain closely engaged on all matters of regional and global significance. Both leaders showed grave concern at the genocide of innocent Palestinians by Israel and agreed to continue raising voice for the oppressed Palestinians. The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with their brothers and sisters from Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. The Prime Minister conveyed profound regards to His Eminence, the Supreme Leader of Iran. The Prime Minister also congratulated Iran on becoming a full member of BRICS and requested Iran’s support for Pakistan’s membership of BRICS. He also extended an invitation to President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan.
Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with the Turkish President H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo today. The Prime Minister underscored that the historic, fraternal and multi-dimensional relations between Pakistan and Turkiye are without parallel and have withstood the test of time. He noted with deep appreciation tremendous strides made by Türkiye under President Erdogan’s leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the two countries should increase economic cooperation in new areas for foreign investment and joint ventures, particularly in IT, agriculture and green technology. The two leaders held wide-ranging talks and discussed further strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly boosting economic ties to achieve the bilateral trade target of US$ 5 billion set by the two leaders. They agreed to continue to work together for further deepening economic, trade, and defense cooperation. The two leaders also reiterated their resolve to support each other on core issues of national interest including Turkiye’s support for Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan’s support for Turkiye’s stance on the Cyprus issue. While condemning the Israeli genocidal actions against the innocent Palestinians, particularly the worsening situation since 7 October 2023, the two leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations for a promised homeland. They also discussed the latest situation in the Middle East and Syria. President Erdo?an said that Pakistan-Turkiye brotherhood and friendship is deep rooted in history and the people of Turkiye have a special place in their hearts for Pakistan. He highlighted the enhanced collaboration between the two countries in various fields. President Erdogan stressed the need to closely work together to promote regional peace and stability. President Erdogan appreciated notable improvement in Pakistan’s economy under Prime Minister Shehbaz Shehbaz Sharif. He also lauded Pakistan for sending substantial humanitarian support to Palestine and Lebanon. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed his invitation to President Erdogan to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience for co-chairing the 7th session of High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar also attended the meeting.
