Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Friday for a bilateral visit to Turkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The two leaders are expected to discuss deeper cooperation across trade, investment and regional security.

Turkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Yousaf Junaid, and senior officials from both the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the Pakistani embassy received the prime minister at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar are accompanying the premier on the visit.

PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan will hold wide-ranging talks on bilateral relations, with a focus on trade and investment, according to the PM Office. The two leaders will also discuss regional peace and security.

The prime minister will address a Pakistan-hosted business conference in Istanbul, aimed at showcasing investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones, energy, information technology and privatisation.

The event is expected to draw senior Turkish business leaders, investors and government officials.

Pakistan and Turkiye maintain close political, economic and defence ties, with both sides committed to expanding strategic cooperation.