Pakistan, Turkiye aim for $5b trade volume to deepen bilateral relations

Turkiye aims to boost trade with Pakistan through cooperation in energy, mining, education, and transport

Listen to article

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.

“We are aiming to increase our commercial relations to $5 billion by enhancing cooperation in diverse areas, including energy, mining, education, and transportation,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, had a fruitful and productive meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan, co-chair of Joint Commission under the HLSCC framework and the Minister of National Defence… pic.twitter.com/1aW7QHz9o8

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 9, 2025

During the 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 session of the HLSCC, a joint commission would soon be established to monitor the progress of these committees.

“The Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), co-chaired by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Güler and Pakistan's Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, is expected to significantly bolster economic cooperation,” he said. The commission is set to convene in the coming weeks.

He further praised Turkiye’s 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.

On 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.

Several 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.

Read More: Pakistan, Turkiye reaffirm strategic ties

DPM 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.

Additionally, Pakistan and Turkiye are prioritising capacity building in counter-terrorism. "These initiatives are seen as laying the groundwork for the 8th HLSCC to be held in Turkiye next year,” Dar noted.

The Turkish foreign minister emphasised the growing strength of bilateral relations and underscored the importance of strengthening air, sea, land, and railway connections between the two countries.

On regional matters, Fidan commended Pakistan’s restraint during recent tensions with India, adding, “All international communities have seen the wisdom and calm attitude of Pakistan during the tension.”

He also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran as violations of international law, reaffirming Turkiye’s commitment to a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.

 

It was great pleasure to receive in Islamabad today my brothers, Turkish Foreign Minister @HakanFidan, and Defence Minister Yaşar Güler.

Held productive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and global developments.

Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/LHPTiwk64J

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 9, 2025

Turkiye also voiced support for Pakistan during recent escalation with India. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express solidarity following India's missile strikes on Pakistani territory.

During the conversation, Erdogan described Pakistan’s position as appropriate and assured that Turkiye would continue diplomatic efforts to help prevent further escalation. Turkiye had also condemned India’s military action and warned it could lead to a wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

In May, PM Shehbaz also visited Istanbul and met with the Turkish president. He thanked Turkiye for its steadfast diplomatic support during recent regional tensions, including Pakistan's standoff with India.