F-8/F-9 Interchange renamed after Erdogan; 24 agreements signed

ISLAMABAD: The newly constructed F-8/F-9 interchange in the capital has been named after the Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in the honour of his visit to Pakistan. The two countries have also inked as many as 24 agreements to foster cooperation.

The plaque for the interchange was unveiled by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a ceremony held at the PM House. The interchange, recently constructed in a record time, is located at the junction of Jinnah Avenue and Agha Shahi Avenue.

Earlier today, PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Recep Tayyip Erdoğan honouring him with a Guard of Honour. PM Sharif emphasised on the historic relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye, voicing hope that the visit would be fruitful for both countries.

“We will always be grateful for Türkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan during challenging times, including the generous assistance during floods. The strategic partnership between the two nations will continue to strengthen, and the signed MoUs will lead to sustainable projects,” PM Sharif stated. Both heads of states reiterated their views to condemn violence in both Gaza and Kashmir. PM Sharif also said that Afghanistan’s soil is being used to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan.

President Erdogan receives guard of honour at PM house

Calling Pakistan his second home, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed happiness on visiting Pakistan, and acknowledged the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, spanning centuries.

“Both Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal are our heroes,” he said praising Iqbal’s poetry which led to revolutions. Erdogan also acknowledged the sacrifice paid by Pakistan in the War Against Terror, and paid his respects to all those who have since lost their lives.

Erdogan announced 24 agreements and MoUs between Pakistan and Türkiye, and discussed trade matters with President Asif Ali Zardari. He stressed the importance of strengthening economic and defense cooperation and reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to supporting the cause of Palestine calling for a united effort for an independent Palestinian state.

Following MoUs and agreements were signed during the visit:

• MoU between Export Credit Bank of Türkiye and Pakistan’s Export-Import Bank.
• Joint ministerial statement to boost trade in goods.
• MoU on cooperation in industrial property.
• Agreement on digitization of trade certificate authentication.
• MoU on exchange of military and civilian personnel on social and cultural grounds.
• MoU on Air Force electronic warfare cooperation.
• Protocol on military health training and collaboration.
• MoU between Türkiye’s Secretariat of Defense Industries and Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense Production.
• Agreement on cooperation between Türkiye Aerospace Industries and Pakistan’s Naval Research & Development Institute.
• MoU between Türkiye’s Halal Accreditation Authority and Pakistan Halal Authority.
• Agreement on establishing a legal metrology infrastructure.
• Cooperation agreement on agricultural seeds.
• Protocol amending the hydrocarbon cooperation agreement between the two nations.
• MoU on energy transition collaboration.
• Agreement on cooperation in the mining sector.
• MoU on water sector cooperation.
• Agreement on public relations collaboration.
• MoU on media and communication cooperation.
• MoU on religious services and education cooperation.
• Agreement between Türkiye’s Scientific & Technological Research Council and Pakistan’s National Textile University Faisalabad.
• MoU on technical cooperation in the health and pharmaceutical sectors.