ISLAMABAD: Turkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar arrived in Islamabad on Monday. Pakistan is seeking to strengthen cooperation in energy, petroleum, and mineral exploration. Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik formally received the Turkish minister at the airport. Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu and senior officials were also present. Bayraktar is leading a high-level delegation for crucial talks. He recently said Turkiye planned to formalise a new energy deal with Pakistan. He confirmed that the agreement will include oil and gas exploration on land and at sea.
Deep-Sea Drilling and Exploration Projects Planned
Bayraktar told Lider Haber last week that preparations are underway for a major accord. He said Turkiye will help launch Pakistan’s first deep-sea drilling project. He added that cooperation will begin with exploration in two onshore blocks and one offshore zone. Meanwhile, Malik met Ambassador Neziroglu on Sunday to finalise arrangements for the delegation. Secretary Petroleum Momin Agha and OGDCL Managing Director Ahmed Hayat Lak attended the meeting. Malik said the visit will play a transformational role in the energy and mining sectors. He said Pakistan looks forward to welcoming the Turkish team for strategic talks.
Growing Cooperation Across Energy and Mineral Sectors
Officials reviewed expanding collaboration between both countries. They noted that Turkish Petroleum has joined onshore and offshore exploration activities in Pakistan. They described the development as a major milestone in bilateral energy relations. Ambassador Neziroglu said a prominent Turkish mineral company is part of the delegation. He said this reflects Turkiye’s serious interest in Pakistan’s mineral development sector. Malik said OGDCL, PPL, and Mari Energies have joined Turkish Petroleum for future ventures. He said the cooperation will create new opportunities for joint energy projects.
Leaders Highlight Strategic Importance of Partnership
Ambassador Neziroglu reaffirmed Turkiye’s commitment to its partnership with Pakistan. He said many promising areas of cooperation exist between the brotherly nations. Both sides agreed to ensure the successful conduct of the visit. They emphasised translating goodwill into meaningful economic outcomes. Bayraktar earlier wrote that Turkish-Pakistani energy relations have reached new depths. He said recent agreements will enable joint seismic research and critical mineral development. He added that deep-sea drilling plans will strengthen long-term cooperation. He said both countries possess valuable mineral reserves with major strategic potential.
