Pakistan and Turkey were tied with the commonality of faith.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and emphasized the need for both countries to strengthen their strategic cooperation and explore additional joint ventures in various fields.
The premier made these remarks while addressing the launching ceremony of the Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM-Class Ship PNS Tariq at a Karachi shipyard today.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Turkiye’s status as a “strategic ally,” highlighting the “roaring success” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
The joint Progress: Pakistan and Turkey Collaborate on MILGEM Project
He also mentioned that Pakistan and China have signed and agreed to launch the second phase of the project, considering it a prime example of cooperation and support between the two “brotherly countries.”
Prime minister further added, “Turkey is a natural partner and we would like to renew our invitation, and let us join hands in this wonderful story of mutual joint progress and prosperity.”
Previously, the prime minister, along with Vice President of Turkey Cevdet Yilmaz, jointly launched the fourth MILGEM warship.
The Pakistan Navy launched the first two Corvettes, PNS Babur and PNS Badar, in Istanbul and Karachi in August 2021 and May 2022, respectively.
The Pakistan Navy initiated the MILGEM project in 2018 with the aim of constructing four Corvettes – two in Pakistan and two in Turkey.
The prime minister praised Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a great leader, highlighting his “wonderful” victory in the recent poll.
The MILGEM project stands as a lasting symbol of the collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey in the maritime domain.
He further emphasized the strong ties between Pakistan and Turkiye saying both united by faith, heritage, and civilization, and recalled the tremendous support from the people of the subcontinent during the Khilafat Movement.
“We celebrate each others’ success stories and also stand together in the face of challenges.This is the level of our relations as we share each others’ bounties and sorrows,” Prime Minister remarked.
The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan Navy wholeheartedly dedicates itself to ensuring high-quality maritime activities.
Mr. Shehbaz also declared a gift of Rs200 million for the experts and workers who contributed to the construction of the MILGEM-IV.
