—— President reaches Lisbon, offers condolences to Prince Rahim
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a brief stopover in Turkiye’s Istanbul, while en route to Portugal. The meeting took place at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport State Guesthouse prior to President Erdogan’s departure for Malaysia.
Zardari, who was preparing to leave Türkiye, met with the Turkish leader prior to a scheduled press conference. According to a statement released by the President’s Press Wing in Islamabad, President Zardari was warmly welcomed by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan upon his arrival. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries before engaging in a productive discussion on various matters of mutual interest. The focus of their conversation was on strengthening the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkiye, addressing issues of common concern, and exploring avenues for further cooperation, media reported. The leaders highlighted the significance of their countries’ enduring friendship and the shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
This diplomatic engagement comes at a time when both nations are seeking to expand their ties in trade, defence, and cultural exchange.
Meanwhile, President Zardari is visiting Portugal to express condolences following the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, to extend condolences to Prince Rahim Aga Khan on the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan.
During his visit to Portugal, President Zardari stopped in Türkiye, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Istanbul Airport. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, also extended condolences on the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community. The finance minister met with Imam Prince Rahim Aga Khan to convey Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s sympathy message. Besides, he held discussions with a visiting delegation of parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, exploring measures to strengthen bilateral ties.
