Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in the key sectors, including defense, trade, energy, culture, education and infrastructure, both countries aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $ 5 billion.
“We aim to increase our commercial relations to $ 5 billion by strengthening cooperation in various fields, including energy, mining, education and transport,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at a joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Vice-Prime Minister / Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @ Mishaqdar50Has a fruitful and productive meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan @Hakanfidanco -chair of the joint committee under the HLSCC framework and the Minister of National Defense … pic.twitter.com/1aw7qhz9o8
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@Foreignoffice) July 9, 2025
During the joint press conference, the two officials expressed their satisfaction with the progress in the progress of 12 joint committees under the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). DAR stressed that, after the February 2025 session of the HLSCC, a mixed commission would soon be created to monitor the progress of these committees.
“The Mixed Ministerial Commission (JMC), co -sponsored by the Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Güler, and the Minister of Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan, is expected to considerably strengthen economic cooperation,” said Dar. The Commission is expected to meet in the coming weeks.
DAR has also praised the successful indigenization by Turkiye of its defense industry, which has increased from 20% to 80% in recent years. Pakistan wishes to adopt similar practices to strengthen its own defense sector.
On the economic level, DAR confirmed that the plans to establish a special economic zone in Karachi are dedicated to Turkish companies. In addition, the revival of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad rail corridor is progressing, with delegations from the two nations meeting to finalize a roadmap.
Several key projects involving Turkish companies are under examination, including the Jinnah medical complex, the Danish University and offshore drilling operations. Efforts are also underway to initiate Turkish expertise in areas such as breaking of ships and water management.
DPM also confirmed the allocation of land in Muzaffarabad for the construction of a Maarif school and declared that several major projects involving Turkish companies were being studied, in particular the privatization of electricity distribution companies.
In addition, Pakistan and Turkiye prioritize capacity building in counter-terrorism. “These initiatives are considered to be laid the basics of the 8th HLSCC to be held in Turkiye next year,” noted Dar.
The Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underlined the growing force of bilateral relations and stressed the importance of strengthening the air, maritime, land and rail links between the two countries.
On regional issues, Fidan congratulated Pakistan’s restraint during recent tensions with India, adding: “All international communities have seen the wisdom and the calm attitude of Pakistan during tension.” He also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran as violations of international law, reaffirming Turkiye’s commitment to a permanent cease-fire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
It was a great pleasure to receive in Islamabad today my brothers, Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs @HakanfidanAnd the Minister of Defense Yaşar Güler.
Held productive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations and has exchanged views of the main regional and global developments.
Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/lhptiwk64j
– ishaq dar (@ mishaqdar50) July 9, 2025
According to a statement published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Minister of National Defense, Yasar Güler, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday.
FM DAR welcomed the dignitaries on a visit and underlined the close and fraternal relations between Pakistan and the Turkiye. The Turkish Foreign Minister has transmitted warm greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reaffirmed Turkiye’s strong desire to deepen cooperation with Pakistan.
He underlined the depths historical, cultural and religious links which underlie the lasting relationship between the two nations.
