Expanding Regional Prosperity: PM Shehbaz Sharif's Vision for a Trilateral Partnership with Turkey in CPEC
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a joint press appearance with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, proposed the inclusion of Turkey in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a catalyst for regional prosperity. He emphasised that Pakistan had already reaped the benefits of CPEC, a flagship project under Chinese President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a joint press appearance with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, proposed the inclusion of Turkey in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a catalyst for regional prosperity. He emphasized that Pakistan had already reaped the benefits of CPEC, a flagship project under Chinese President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his vision for a trilateral partnership involving China, Pakistan, and Turkey, touting it as a promising collaboration to foster regional progress, reduce poverty, combat unemployment, and empower marginalized communities. He emphasized that such a partnership would be instrumental in advancing education and healthcare, addressing contemporary challenges.
The prime minister conveyed his willingness to engage with Chinese leadership if Turkey decided to pursue this idea, extending gratitude to President Erdogan for his warm reception. He began his address by offering condolences for a recent terror incident in Istanbul and called for collective efforts to eradicate terrorism globally.
Highlighting the significance of the MILGEM Corvette Ships project, specifically the launch of PNS Khaybar for the Pakistan Navy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the project as a manifestation of mutual commitment and purpose. He stressed the need to elevate defense cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey, especially in the face of escalating global tensions and rising commodity prices.
The prime minister underlined the importance of effective implementation of the trade and goods agreement signed by the two nations in August of the same year. He expressed his desire to boost the trade volume from the existing $1 billion to a target of $5 billion, acknowledging the need for stronger economic ties between the two brotherly nations.
Turkish President Erdogan reciprocated the optimism for bolstering bilateral relations in trade, defense, and other sectors. He affirmed Turkey's unwavering support for Pakistan's fight against terrorism and expressed gratitude for Pakistan's solidarity during a recent terrorist incident involving the Fatih organization. He also mentioned the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and emphasized the mutual support between the two nations during challenging times, extending condolences for flood-related losses.