Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Sunday for official engagements.
He reached Istanbul after completing an official visit to the United Kingdom. His visit to Türkiye is expected to include several official meetings.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar was received by senior Turkish and Pakistani officials after arriving in Istanbul.
Turkish Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration Brigadier General Senol Varol welcomed him at the airport.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid was also present. Turkish Foreign Ministry Ambassador Cihad Erginay also attended the reception.
Other senior officials from the Turkish government were present during Dar’s arrival.
Ishaq Dar Congratulates Türkiye
Earlier, Ishaq Dar congratulated Türkiye’s leadership and people on the country’s 104th Victory Day anniversary.
In a message on X, he said Pakistan joined Türkiye in celebrating the historic occasion.
Dar also paid tribute to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He remembered the heroes and martyrs of Türkiye’s War of Independence.
The deputy prime minister highlighted the close relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye.
He said the relationship is based on mutual trust and strong affection between both nations.
Dar noted that bilateral ties have developed into a broad and multifaceted partnership.
He expressed hope that the friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye would continue to strengthen.
Pakistan Leaders Extend Victory Day Greetings
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Türkiye’s leadership.
They extended their greetings to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people on Victory Day.
President Zardari said Pakistan and Türkiye share a unique and lasting relationship.
He highlighted the role of history, faith and mutual support in strengthening bilateral ties.
The president also recalled the Great Victory of August 30, 1922.
He described the victory as an important chapter in Türkiye’s history.
Zardari expressed confidence that relations between Pakistan and Türkiye would continue to grow.
Shehbaz Sharif Highlights Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
He said Pakistan stood with the Turkish people in remembering their national struggle.
The prime minister described the relationship as a bond built through shared faith and history.
He also referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
According to Shehbaz Sharif, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to security and collective deterrence.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding its strategic partnership with Türkiye.
The prime minister said cooperation should continue across different areas.
He also expressed hope that the friendship between the two countries would remain strong for future generations.
In other related news also read Ishaq Dar Reviews Foreign Policy, Peace Priorities
The Istanbul visit by Ishaq Dar comes as Pakistan and Türkiye continue to strengthen their bilateral partnership.
