Pakistan and Turkiye Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Regional Instability

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan and Turkiye have committed to enhancing their bilateral trade to $5 billion as the two countries deepen their defence cooperation amid regional instability. Turkish Foreign Minister Fida Hakan and Defence Minister Yasar Guler, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday, held meetings with Pakistani civil and military leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The prime minister welcomed the Turkish delegation, highlighting the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, and expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The two countries have agreed to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion, with a focus on sectors such as mining, natural gas, oil, and rare earth elements.
  • Pakistan and Turkiye are evaluating cooperation mechanisms in sectors such as defence industry, energy, and infrastructure.
  • The two sides have agreed to revive the long-dormant joint ministerial commission after a hiatus of 11 years, which will be co-chaired by Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler.
  • Turkish Defence Minister Guler praised the operational readiness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), particularly during its recent conflict with India, and expressed interest in expanding industry-to-industry partnerships.
  • Both sides have pledged to enhance joint air exercises and finalise plans for more intensive training cooperation.
  • Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for concerted efforts by both sides to enhance the bilateral trade to the mutually agreed target of $5 billion.
  • Turkish Foreign Minister Fida Hakan underlined the ongoing efforts to boost the bilateral trade volume to $5 billion and noted that both countries are evaluating cooperation mechanisms in sectors such as mining, natural gas, oil, and rare earth elements.

Statistics:

  • Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Turkiye is expected to reach $5 billion.
  • 11-year hiatus between joint minsterial commission meetings was bridged with the newly formed commission.
  • Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been praised for its operational readiness, particularly during its recent conflict with India.
  • Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler expressed interest in expanding industry-to-industry partnerships.
  • 5 billion dollar target for bilateral trade between Pakistan and Turkiye.

Sources:

  • [1] The News International. "Pakistan, Turkiye agree to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion."
  • [2] Dawn.com. "Pakistan, Turkiye vow to take bilateral trade to $5 billion mark".
  • [3] Geo News. "Pakistan, Turkiye agree to strengthen cooperation in various fields".