By The South Asia Times

ANTALYA, Turkiye -  Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, energy and regional connectivity during a meeting on the sidelines of the COP31 Leaders Summit in Antalya.

The two leaders held bilateral talks on Thursday, reaffirming the historic and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Türkiye and expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of relations between the two countries.

According to a statement from Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office, the discussions focused on expanding economic engagement, accelerating ongoing cooperation initiatives and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across several sectors.

Sharif and Erdoğan also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader international developments, with particular attention to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting dialogue.

The Pakistani prime minister briefed Erdoğan on ongoing initiatives by regional countries, particularly members of the Makkah Accord, to promote de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.

Erdoğan appreciated Pakistan's constructive role and mediation efforts that led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), according to the statement.

Sharif thanked the Turkish president for Türkiye's consistent support and close coordination throughout Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

Both leaders stressed that all parties must honour their commitments under the Islamabad MoU to secure durable and lasting peace in the wider region.

In a statement posted on X after the meeting, Sharif described Erdoğan as his "dear brother" and thanked Türkiye for its warm hospitality.

"We reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic and brotherly bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye, and agreed to enhance our cooperation in trade and investment, defence, energy and connectivity," Sharif wrote.

The two leaders also reaffirmed mutual support on issues of core national interest and pledged to further strengthen their strategic partnership, building on their longstanding political, economic and defence ties.

The meeting comes as Pakistan and Türkiye seek to expand their economic cooperation and coordinate on regional diplomatic and security challenges.

Their engagement at the COP31 summit also reflects the importance both countries attach to maintaining close consultations on international developments and promoting regional stability.