ISLAMABAD, 14 October, 2026 (Nosheen): President Asif Ali Zardari has called for further strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye relations, with a focus on achieving the mutually agreed target of $5 billion in bilateral trade, expanding investment and enhancing cooperation in strategic and emerging technology sectors. He made these remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Türkiye, Amna Baloch, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a press release issued by the President Secretariat’s Media Wing. Congratulating her on her appointment, the president acknowledged her successful tenure as foreign secretary and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding relations with Türkiye, based on shared values, cultural ties and common aspirations for peace and prosperity. President Zardari emphasised the need to expand cooperation in energy, agriculture, livestock, mining, ship-breaking, information technology, defence industries and special economic zones. He also stressed closer collaboration between universities, increased people-to-people exchanges and the promotion of cultural relations and tourism, particularly by benefiting from Türkiye’s expertise in the tourism sector. The president advised the ambassador-designate to maintain close engagement with the Pakistani diaspora, students and business community in Türkiye to ensure effective consular services and timely assistance whenever required. He further highlighted the importance of stronger coordination and information-sharing between Pakistani and Turkish institutions to combat human smuggling. President Zardari also asked Amna Baloch to convey his warm regards to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when presenting her credentials and wished her success in her new diplomatic assignment.