Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif arrives at Turkish President Erdogan’s swearing-in ceremony.
Türkiye and Pakistan The closeness of That’s why despite the political upheaval in his country, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached the swearing-in ceremony of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, the neighboring country burdened with debt did not fail to extend its hand here too.
Pakistan has a debt of about $ 12,600 crore. On top of that, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not in the mood to give a new loan at the moment. He has put many conditions before Pakistan. Shahbaz Sharif, who attended Erdogan’s swearing-in, started asking for help as soon as he reached Turkey. He appealed to Turkish investors to invest in Pakistan.
Shahbaz Sharif met representatives of many big companies on the sidelines of swearing-in. The delegation he met included Coca-Cola CEO Karim Yahi, Chief Strategy Office Atilia Yerlikaya and Head of Public Policy Taylan Koban. During the meeting with them, Shahbaz Sharif appealed to these companies to invest in Pakistan. Also talked about creating employment for Pakistani people.
Chairperson Limak Holdings Ms. Ebru Ozdemir calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Ankara on 3rd June 2023. Investment in Energy, Infrastructure, Tourism and Construction sector in Pakistan was discussed in the meeting. pic.twitter.com/rUIueuR0KU
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) June 3, 2023
Talk of investment in many sectors
In the meeting between the PM of Pakistan and the companies, there was talk of investment in many sectors of Pakistan. Pakistan has invited investment in the power sector, construction work, engineering. In fact, last year there was an agreement between Turkey and Pakistan, which came into force from May 1. Through this agreement, traditional and non-traditional trade between the two countries will be promoted.
150 million pound loan was received in Türkiye itself
In November last year, Pakistan got help from Turkey itself. The Economic Corporation Association (ECO) gave a soft loan of 150 million euros to Pakistan in Istanbul. This loan was given to Pakistan for flood relief work. Along with this, Shehbaz Sharif appealed to Turkish investors to invest $5 billion in Pakistan. Türkiye has been an ally of Pakistan for a long time.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif greets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at his inauguration ceremony in Ankara, Turkiye on 3 June 2023.#PMShehbazinTurkiye pic.twitter.com/RHR9NP1Omw
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) June 3, 2023
Türkiye reached even after being insulted
In February this year, there was a severe earthquake in Turkey, in which more than 35 thousand people were killed. Meanwhile, on the pretext of expressing condolences to the earthquake victims, Pak PM Shahbaz Sharif had announced to go to Turkey. But Turkey clearly told Pakistan that we are not in a position to provide hospitality, so they should cancel this tour. Despite this Shahbaz Sharif reached Türkiye. It was believed that showing sympathy towards the earthquake victims was just an excuse, he had gone to ask for money for Pakistan.