Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commends Pakistan\u2019s restraint during recent tensions with India
\n islamabad
\nPakistan 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.
\n\u201cWe are aiming to increase our commercial relations to $5 billion by enhancing cooperation in diverse areas, including energy, mining, education, and transportation,\u201d said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday.
\nDuring 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.
\n\u201cThe Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), co-chaired by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar G\u00fcler and Pakistan\u2019s Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, is expected to significantly bolster economic cooperation,\u201d Dar said. The commission is set to convene in the coming weeks.
\nDar further praised Turkiye\u2019s 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.
\nOn 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.
\nSeveral 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.
\nDPM 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.
\nAdditionally, Pakistan and Turkiye are prioritising capacity building in counter-terrorism. \u201cThese initiatives are seen as laying the groundwork for the 8th HLSCC to be held in Turkiye next year,\u201d Dar noted.
\nTurkish 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.
\nOn regional matters, Fidan commended Pakistan\u2019s restraint during recent tensions with India, adding, \u201cAll international communities have seen the wisdom and calm attitude of Pakistan during the tension.\u201d He also condemned Israel\u2019s actions in Gaza and Iran as violations of international law, reaffirming Turkiye\u2019s commitment to a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commends Pakistan\u2019s 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. \u201cWe are aiming to increase our commercial relations […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":489241,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-489223","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n