ISLAMABAD: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday said that both Pakistan and Turkiye are determined to enhance their bilateral trade volume to $5 billion, underscoring the strength of the longstanding ties between the two nations.
Addressing a joint press conference along with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Fidan noted that the two countries share deep-rooted, brotherly relations that continue to strengthen over time.
He highlighted that the two countries have significantly enhanced cooperation in key sectors, including the economy, culture, and defence.
Expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s warm hospitality, the Turkish foreign minister praised the strong and growing partnership between the two countries.
“Pakistan and Turkiye share a unique and time-tested relationship, which is now being transformed into an institutional partnership,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
He also stressed the need to further strengthen air, sea, land, and railway connections between the two countries, saying that technical activities in this regard were ongoing.
He also condemned Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Iran, calling them a “violation of international law,” and pledged continued Turkish efforts for a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted that discussions included the establishment of a special economic zone in Karachi specifically for Turkish investors, as well as the opening of Turkiye’s renowned Maarif schools in Azad Kashmir.
Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan regards Turkiye as a trusted friend and a brotherly nation. He mentioned that defence-related committee meetings between the two countries are scheduled to take place in September.
He noted that Pakistan and Turkiye are actively collaborating through various joint committees across multiple sectors. Appreciating Turkiye’s expertise, Dar pointed out that both nations share similar perspectives on numerous regional and global issues.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar recalled that during the last session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Islamabad in February this year, both sides had agreed to establish a Joint Commission, co-chaired by the two Foreign Ministers, to review the progress of the 12 Joint Standing Committees working under the HLSCC framework.
In addition, he said the meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) was expected to be held in the coming weeks.
“The JMC will be co-chaired by the Minister of National Defence of Turkiye, Yasar Güler, and the Minister of Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan. This important platform is expected to further bolster economic cooperation between the two countries,” he added.
