Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commends Pakistan’s restraint during recent tensions with India
islamabad
Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including defence, trade, energy, culture, education, and infrastructure, with both countries aiming to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion.
“We are aiming to increase our commercial relations to $5 billion by enhancing cooperation in diverse areas, including energy, mining, education, and transportation,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday.
During the joint press conference, both officials expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of 12 Joint Standing Committees under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Dar highlighted that, following the February 2025 session of the HLSCC, a Joint Commission would soon be established to monitor the progress of these committees.
“The Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), co-chaired by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Güler and Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, is expected to significantly bolster economic cooperation,” Dar said. The commission is set to convene in the coming weeks.
Dar further praised Turkiye’s successful indigenisation of its defence industry, which has grown from 20% to 80% in recent years. Pakistan is keen to adopt similar practices to strengthen its own defence sector.
On the economic front, Dar confirmed plans to establish a Special Economic Zone in Karachi dedicated to Turkish enterprises. Additionally, the revival of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad rail corridor is progressing, with delegations from both nations meeting to finalise a roadmap.
Several key projects involving Turkish firms are being considered, including the Jinnah Medical Complex, Danish University, and offshore drilling operations. Efforts are also underway to engage Turkish expertise in areas such as ship-breaking and water management.
DPM also confirmed the allocation of land in Muzaffarabad for the construction of a Maarif school and stated that several major projects involving Turkish firms were under consideration, including the privatisation of power distribution companies.
Additionally, Pakistan and Turkiye are prioritising capacity building in counter-terrorism. “These initiatives are seen as laying the groundwork for the 8th HLSCC to be held in Turkiye next year,” Dar noted.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasised the growing strength of bilateral relations and underscored the importance of strengthening air, sea, land, and railway connections between the two countries.
On regional matters, Fidan commended Pakistan’s restraint during recent tensions with India, adding, “All international communities have seen the wisdom and calm attitude of Pakistan during the tension.” He also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran as violations of international law, reaffirming Turkiye’s commitment to a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
