Pakistan, Turkiye express firm resolve to strengthen economic, defence ties

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in economic and defence sectors.

The understanding came at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler at the foreign office in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The meeting covered a broad range of bilateral issues and focused on deepening cooperation in various fields.

Following the meeting, the leaders addressed the media, where Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged Turkiye’s significant advancement in its defence industry, noting the progress from 20% to 80% indigenization in recent years.

He expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in benefiting from Turkiye’s experience in this sector. 
Emphasizing the importance of mutual security and regional peace, he noted that the two countries have agreed to work closely on these fronts.

Ishaq Dar shared that a newly formed joint committee on security, defence, and intelligence will convene on July 24 in Islamabad, while another committee focused on the defence industry is scheduled to meet in September.

A separate committee on trade and investment has already held its session last month, and discussions on transport and communication are expected to continue with another meeting set for the following week.

In terms of economic cooperation, both nations are moving forward with the idea of creating a Special Economic Zone in Karachi dedicated to Turkish investors. Revival of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad railway link is also under discussion, with upcoming meetings planned to finalize a roadmap for its restoration.

Dar further mentioned that land has been allocated in Muzaffarabad for the construction of a Maarif school, strengthening educational collaboration.

Turkish firms are also being considered for participation in several major development projects in Pakistan, including the Jinnah Medical Complex and the Daanish University initiative.

In addition, Turkish involvement is anticipated in offshore drilling ventures and in the privatization process of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs).

Both countries are already cooperating in areas such as counter-terrorism training and expertise-sharing in sectors like shipbreaking and the efficient use of water resources in urban and agricultural contexts.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s enduring friendship with Turkiye, DPM Dar described the country as a loyal ally that has consistently stood by Pakistan, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Turkish people.

In his remarks, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted the growing breadth of bilateral cooperation across sectors such as economy, energy, education, defence, and culture.

He stated that both countries aim to raise their trade volume to five billion dollars and are enhancing collaboration in energy fields, including mining, precious stones, oil, and natural gas.

FM Fidan emphasized that defence industry cooperation is vital for the security of both nations and termed it a strategic move.

He also underlined the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism and appreciated Pakistan’s prudent response to its recent tensions with India.

Concluding his remarks, FM Fidan expressed a strong desire to elevate the relationship between the two nations to new heights.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a fruitful and productive meeting with Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler in Islamabad.

They reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy strong bonds of brotherhood, friendship and mutual trust. Both countries will continue to stand united for peace, prosperity and progress in the region and beyond.