PM Sharif reaches Istanbul for talks on trade, regional security

ISTANBUL: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Friday for a bilateral visit at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with talks expected to focus on trade, investment and regional security.

Sharif was received at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport by Turkish Trade Minister Prof Dr Omer Bolat, Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkey, Dr Yousaf Junaid, and senior Turkish and Pakistani officials, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar are accompanying the prime minister on the visit.

During his meeting with Erdogan, Sharif is expected to discuss the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, the statement said.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional peace and security.

During his stay in Istanbul, Sharif will address a business conference hosted by Pakistan to showcase investment opportunities in sectors including Special Economic Zones (SEZs), energy, information technology and privatisation.

The conference is expected to bring together Turkish business leaders, investors, senior government officials and other stakeholders as Pakistan seeks to attract foreign investment and deepen economic ties with Turkey.