Pakistan and Turkey have set ambitious targets to enhance their annual bilateral trade to $5 billion and to strengthen their defense collaboration. During a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, both sides agreed to elevate their trade volume over the next three years.
Currently standing at $1 billion annually, the two ministers emphasized the necessity of expanding trade relations. They reviewed the state of bilateral ties and discussed preparations for the upcoming 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), which Pakistan will host soon.
Recognizing the significance of bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and security, both countries pledged to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration. Dar commended Turkey’s steadfast support for the people of Kashmir and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the rights of Northern Cyprus.
The ministers also discussed regional and global issues, particularly focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the imperative of a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. They reiterated the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state for lasting peace in the Middle East and addressed the escalating problem of Islamophobia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his meeting with FM Fidan, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Turkey across various sectors. He invited Turkish companies to increase their investment in Pakistan, suggesting the relocation of industrial units. Sharif also extended an invitation to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Pakistan for the HLSCC meeting.
FM Fidan also met with Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, expressing satisfaction with the strong ties between the two countries and praising Pakistan Army’s role in regional peace and stability.