Islamabad, February 13, 2025: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day official visit, receiving a warm and grand welcome.
Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, President Erdogan was welcomed by a high-level delegation led by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior government officials.
A 21-gun salute echoed in the backdrop, marking the arrival of the distinguished guest. As a further display of honor, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets escorted President Erdogan’s special aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace
In a heartfelt cultural gesture, two children dressed in traditional attire presented bouquets to the Turkish president and First Lady upon their arrival. The welcome ceremony also featured a performance by a military band, while children waved Pakistani and Turkish flags, symbolizing the strong friendship between the two nations.
Following his arrival, President Erdogan proceeded to the Prime Minister House, where he was accorded a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Armed Forces. The national anthems of Pakistan and Turkiye were played, and the Pakistani and Turkish flags were prominently displayed along the Constitution Avenue in Islamabad.
In a culturally rich welcome, traditional dances representing Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and all four provinces of Pakistan were performed in honor of the visiting dignitary. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally received President Erdogan, with both leaders exchanging warm pleasantries before proceeding to official engagements.
During his visit, President Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will co-chair the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), a key forum aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defense, and investment.
In addition, President Erdogan is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss regional and international matters of mutual interest.
The visit will also see the Pakistan-Turkiye Business and Investment Forum, where both leaders will address prominent investors, companies, and business representatives from both nations, seeking to enhance economic collaboration and trade relations.
To mark the significance of the visit, Islamabad was adorned with Pakistani and Turkish flags, along with welcoming banners, lining the route of President Erdogan’s motorcade. The grand welcome reflected the deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, which continue to grow stronger with each high-level interaction.
President Erdogan’s visit is expected to further cement the strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations, fostering new avenues for cooperation in diverse fields.
