Shehbaz Sharif Meets Erdogan at ECO Summit in Azerbaijan: Focus on Trade, Defense & Regional Peace

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. The leaders discussed a broad range of bilateral and regional issues, aiming to take Pakistan-Turkiye ties to a new level.

Both Sharif and Erdogan expressed commitment to deepening cooperation in key sectors such as:

• Trade and investment

• Defense and energy partnerships

• Connectivity and infrastructure development

The two nations also agreed to exchange high-level delegations, ensuring proper follow-up on all discussions held during the summit.

The leaders stressed the importance of peace and sustainable development in the region. They agreed to stay in close contact and work jointly toward achieving regional harmony, particularly in light of shifting geopolitical realities.

Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Turkiye’s regional initiatives and highlighted the historical, cultural, and strategic friendship between the two nations.

PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan for the ECO Summit 2025, which took place from July 3 to 4 under the theme:
“New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.”

He was accompanied by:

• Deputy PM Ishaq Dar

• Information Minister Attaullah Tarar

• Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi

They were warmly welcomed at Fuzuli Airport by Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Adil Karimli and Pakistan’s Ambassador Qasim Mohiuddin.

During the summit, Pakistan aimed to:

• Push for enhanced regional trade

• Promote energy and climate cooperation

• Support ECO Vision 2025

• Strengthen digital and transport connectivity

PM Sharif also planned to hold bilateral talks with other heads of state on the sidelines of the summit to expand strategic partnerships.

The summit was part of a broader ECO Week (July 1–4), with events in various cities of Azerbaijan focusing on:

• Youth empowerment

• Women’s participation

• Cross-border trade opportunities

The last ECO Summit was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2023 and attended by then-PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

The high-profile meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscores the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye. From trade and defense to shared goals of regional peace and climate resilience, both leaders reaffirmed their long-standing alliance during this pivotal summit.