On July 9, Pakistan and Turkey committed to enhancing strategic collaboration across sectors such as defense, commerce, energy, and infrastructure, with the shared objective of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion.
The understanding was formalized during top-level deliberations in Islamabad between Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, underscoring a shared resolve to reinforce bilateral relations across key strategic domains.
Mr. Dar stated that Pakistan aims to draw on Turkey’s experience in defence, emphasising that both countries will deepen collaboration to advance peace and stability across the region.
“We are actively engaged in various programs, including capacity enhancement and counterterrorism operations,” Mr. Dar stated, describing Turkey as both a dependable friend and a steadfast brother in their collaborative dedication to regional stability and partnership.
The Turkish Foreign Minister described collaboration in the defence industry as a “key milestone” and vowed to enhance it further, noting that both nations will persist in backing each other’s counterterrorism initiatives.
“We are moving forward with plans to create a Special Economic Zone for Turkish business people in Karachi,” Mr. Dar stated during a joint press briefing with Mr. Fidan. He also emphasised initiatives to restore the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad train, stating that delegations are set to convene shortly to finalize the plan.
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According to the army, the meeting addressed shifting regional security dynamics, ongoing defence partnerships, and prospects for cooperation in emerging warfare fields.The army stated that Guler underscored the deep fraternal bond between Turkey and Pakistan and Turkiye’s dedication to enhancing defence ties through increased industry cooperation.
The statement noted he commended the air force’s exemplary performance under the Air Chief’s effective leadership in the recent clash with India.
