Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad on Thursday, where he was accorded a grand guard of honour in recognition of his official visit.
The visit commenced with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcoming President Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan with full state protocol. The prime minister introduced the Turkish leader to his cabinet members, who greeted him individually.
Read more: Erdogan Arrives in Islamabad for Crucial Talks on Pakistan-Turkey Partnership
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir also met with President Erdogan, extending a warm welcome. A special flypast by F-16 fighter jets further highlighted the significance of his arrival.
Erdogan reached Islamabad on Wednesday night for a two-day visit, during which he will engage in bilateral discussions with Pakistani leadership and address the Pakistan-Turkiye Business and Investment Forum.
Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, he was received by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, Deputy Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior government officials.
A 21-gun salute was presented in his honour, and his aircraft was escorted by Pakistan Air Force jets upon entering the country’s airspace. The ceremony featured a warm welcome by children in traditional attire who presented bouquets to President Erdogan and the First Lady. The military band performed, and children waved the national flags of both Pakistan and Turkiye.
During his stay, President Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will co-chair the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. He will also hold separate meetings with both Prime Minister Sharif and President Zardari to discuss mutual cooperation and bilateral relations.
