KARACHI: PM Shehbaz Sharif on Friday floated a proposal for Turkey to join the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, saying a “trilateral arrangement with the inclusion of Turkey” will benefit the region. The prime minister made these remarks while addressing a ceremony marking the launch of PNS Badr – the third ship inducted under the framework of Turkey’s National Ship Project (MİLGEM). The ceremony held at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works was attended by Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi and a large number of naval officers from Pakistan and Turkey. TLTP
In July 2018, the Pakistan Navy signed a contract for the acquisition of four MILGEM-class ships with Turkey’s state-run defence firm ASFAT. According to the plan, two corvettes are to be built in Turkey and the next two are to be built in Pakistan, which also involves technology transfer.
Speaking on the occasion, the premier said the multidimensional cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in the areas of defence, foreign policy and public welfare was “touching new heights of friendship for the benefit of the two peoples”.
“The cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and the Turkish defence companies would lead to further strengthening of relations between the two brotherly countries,” he added. Sharif said the launch of PNS Badr will enhance the maritime activities at the Karachi Port and Port Qasim, thus leading to the development of financial and industrial progress.
He said the launch of the ship is a “moment of pride for the entire Pakistani nation and the naval forces of the two countries” and appreciated the efforts of the naval chief, his team and the defence minister.
The premier added that the government of Pakistan is committed to expanding multifarious infrastructure to ensure economic connectivity in the country and emphasised that cooperation with Turkey would yield positive results. He lauded Turkey for always being a great supporter of the sovereignty of Pakistan.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi said the defence ties between Pakistan and Turkey were witnessing the development and hoped that the time would see further collaboration for the benefit of the two sides.
The message of Turkish President Erdogan was screened on the occasion wherein he assured Pakistan that Turkey would provide all support needed to strengthen Pakistan’s military infrastructure. President Erdogan said the deliveries of the ships, which would be able to perform all kinds of military duties from air defence to submarine defence, would be made at six-month intervals starting from August 2023.
With an emphasis on the historical ties between Turkey and Pakistan, Erdogan said the project was one of the most concrete and recent examples of it, voicing hope for the project to be “a harbinger of greater cooperation”.
Erdogan said Pakistan is the country with the most strategic location in South Asia. “Throughout history, this region has been the apple of the world’s eye with its ancient culture and wealth. Pakistan and its people have a special place for us.”
The Turkish president also emphasised the necessity of providing all means of support to strengthen the military infrastructure of Pakistan, “whose security, stability and prosperity we consider equal to ours.”
The other vessel of the project, named Kaibar, is to be launched in September in Istanbul, he said.
