Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need to bolster Pakistan-Türkiye relations by targeting a bilateral trade goal of $5 billion, while also expanding investment and enhancing cooperation in strategic and emerging technology sectors. This call for strengthened ties came during a meeting with Amna Baloch, the newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Türkiye, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari congratulated Ambassador-designate Baloch on her appointment and acknowledged her successful tenure as Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of Pakistan's longstanding relations with Türkiye, emphasizing shared values, cultural affinities, and mutual aspirations for peace and prosperity.

President Zardari outlined areas for increased cooperation, including energy, agriculture, livestock, mining, ship-breaking, information technology, defense industries, and special economic zones. He also advocated for closer collaboration between universities, greater people-to-people exchanges, and the promotion of cultural ties and tourism, leveraging Türkiye's expertise in the sector.

The President urged the Ambassador-designate to engage closely with the Pakistani diaspora, students, and businesses in Türkiye, ensuring effective consular outreach and assistance. He also stressed the need for enhanced coordination and information-sharing between Pakistani and Turkish institutions to combat human smuggling.

Finally, President Zardari asked Ambassador-designate Baloch to convey his warm regards to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon presenting her credentials and wished her success in her new role.