ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to enhance their trade volume and investment cooperation.

This understanding was reached during the seventh session of Pakistan-Türkiye Bilateral Political Consultations, held in Islamabad. The meeting was led by Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi for Pakistan and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Nuh Yilmaz, for Turkiye. The discussions provided a comprehensive review of the multifaceted bilateral relationship between the two countries. Key areas of focus included political relations, trade and investment, energy, security and defense, information technology, culture and tourism, education, and consular matters. Both sides expressed their commitment to elevating their cooperation across these sectors, reflecting a shared vision for deeper engagement and mutual benefit. The consultations also covered Pakistan-Türkiye cooperation in various multilateral and regional forums, highlighting the strategic alignment of their interests on the global stage.

Additionally, regional and global issues of mutual concern were addressed, underlining the broad scope of the partnership between the two nations. One of the key issues discussed was the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Both Pakistan and Turkiye expressed serious concerns regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis. The delegations condemned the violence and the impact on the Palestinian population, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This joint stance reflects the countries' shared commitment to advocating for human rights and seeking diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.The Turkish delegation, led by Deputy Minister Yilmaz, also met with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during their visit. The meeting further underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties and explored additional avenues for collaboration between the two nations. Overall, the bilateral consultations mark a notable step forward in the Pakistan-Türkiye relationship, with both countries committed to enhancing their strategic partnership and addressing key global issues in a collaborative manner. The agreements reached during this session are expected to pave the way for increased trade, investment, and cooperation across a range of sectors, benefiting both nations and reinforcing their position on the international stage.