ISLAMABAD: On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, committed to increasing the bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Turkiye to $5 billion.
This agreement was reached during delegation-level discussions and announced at a joint media briefing held by both foreign ministers.
Fidan was welcomed upon his arrival by Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia) Ambassador Ahmed Naseem Warraich.
During the meeting, the foreign ministers highlighted the broad scope of bilateral relations and emphasized the progressive enhancement of cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, and defense. They also noted the growing people-to-people ties between the two nations.
In his remarks, Dar underscored the long-standing defense partnerships between Ankara and Islamabad and called for collective action against Islamophobia.
“Both nations have worked together to ensure sovereignty and combat terrorism. During the OIC summit held on May 4 in Banjul, we called for unified efforts against Islamophobia, which led to the appointment of Turkish Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Pacaci to Pakistan. We are also grateful for Turkey’s continued support for those oppressed in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” said Dar.
The ministers also addressed the Israeli invasion of Gaza, stressing the need for an urgent ceasefire and the provision of critical humanitarian relief.
Dar stated that lasting peace in the Middle East requires the creation of an independent Palestinian state in line with the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Fidan expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s warm hospitality. Describing his meeting with Dar as fruitful, he noted that both sides had decided to strengthen their relations not only in trade but also in defense, investment, banking, and science and technology.
He also expressed deep condolences over the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, FM Amir Abdollahian, and others. He mentioned that immediate contact was made with Iranian authorities, and all available resources were swiftly mobilized after receiving the news.
Fidan reaffirmed Dar’s commitment to advancing measures in combating terrorism and increasing trade. He highlighted the significant economic and strategic importance of Pakistan and its neighboring countries, including China and Afghanistan. He reiterated the unshakable friendship and brotherhood between Turkey and Pakistan, pledging mutual support in all endeavors.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
