Addressing launching ceremony in Istanbul, Premier Shehbaz says world is ‘envious’ of ties between two countries
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is on a two-day official visit to Turkiye, has said that it is high time Ankara and Islamabad transform their ties into a strategic partnership as the world is “envious” of the relationship between two brotherly countries.
The premier – addressing the launching ceremony of the third of the four MILGEM Corvette Ships for the Pakistan Navy, PNS Khaiber, at the Istanbul Shipyard on Friday – cited huge potential in the field of alternate energy in both countries.
He called for Turkiye and Pakistan to join hands in the production of solar, wind and hydel energy to cut carbon emissions and open up new avenues of investment cooperation.
On his arrival at the venue, the Turkish president welcomed the prime minister who was accompanied by a high-level delegation.
PM Shehbaz was given the guard of honour as the national anthems of the countries were also played.
Accompanied by President Erdogan, the prime minister launched the ship which he said manifested deep bilateral engagement in defence cooperation.
The MILGEM project, based on joint collaboration between the two countries, represents a significant milestone in the Pakistan-Türkiye strategic partnership that continues to progress on an upward trajectory.
The launching ceremony for the first Corvette for the Pakistan Navy, PNS Babur, was performed in Istanbul in August 2021 while the groundbreaking for the Second Ship, PNS Badr, was held in Karachi in May 2022.
Calling Turkiye his “second home” the prime minister recalled the support extended by the people of Pakistan at the time when Turkiye was fighting for freedom.
He said while supporting the Turkish people, our forefathers never knew that Turkiye would stand by Pakistan through thick and thin and all international platforms instead, they had done so out of their religious brotherhood.
He appreciated the “visionary leadership” of President Erdogan, the prime minister said he had transformed Turkiye into a modern society. He also spoke highly of the social welfare projects executed by the Turkish government even in far-flung areas besides transforming the agriculture and industrial sectors.
The prime minister also urged the defence experts from both sides to enhance their defence production capacity with a view to strengthening cooperation for peace in the region.
He appreciated the role of President Erdogan in brokering a deal between Russia and Ukraine for wheat export for the benefit of developing countries like Pakistan.
He told the gathering that Pakistan was recently hit by one of the most devastating flood and within no time, Turkiye sent 13 goods trains carrying 72,000 tonnes of humanitarian goods and 15 Turkey military aircraft carrying food, tent, medicines and medical teams.
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