President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated Türkiye on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, marked on 29 October. Both leaders described the relationship between the two countries as a bond of brotherhood rooted in shared history, faith and values, and said they wanted cooperation to grow across trade, investment, defence, education and culture.

Messages from Islamabad

In a letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Zardari said Türkiye had strengthened its institutions and raised its standing in regional and world affairs over the past century. He said Pakistan valued the solidarity shown by the Turkish leadership and people in difficult times, and expressed confidence that political engagement and practical cooperation would continue to deepen.

Defence and regional cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a separate message, praised the resilience of the Turkish people and said the friendship between the two nations continued to expand in scope and substance. He closed his message with the Turkish phrase for "Long live Pakistan–Türkiye brotherhood", a slogan long used at official events celebrating the relationship.

President Zardari also pointed to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, saying it would strengthen bilateral and trilateral cooperation involving Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia and contribute to peace and stability in the region. Pakistan and Türkiye already cooperate closely on defence production and training.

Sources: World News Pakistan and World News Pakistan.