Pakistan, Turkiye aims at $ 5 billion trading volume to elaborate the bilateral connections

Pakistan and Turkiye have confirmed their obligation to elaborate on bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including defense, trade, energy, culture, education and infrastructure, where both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $ 5 billion.

“We aim to increase our commercial relationships of $ 5 billion by improving cooperation in various areas, including energy, mining, education and transport,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday.

During the joint press conference, both officials expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress in 12 joint standing committees under the Strategic Cooperation Council at high level (HLSCC). DAR emphasized that after HLSCC’s February 2025 session, it was soon set up to monitor the progress of these committees.

“The Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), co -chair of Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Güler and Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, is expected to significantly strengthen financial cooperation,” Dar said. The Commission is ready to convene in the coming weeks.

Dar praised further Turkiye’s successful indigenization of his defense industry, which has grown from 20% to 80% in recent years. Pakistan is eager to adopt similar practices to strengthen his own defense sector.

On the financial front, DAR confirmed plans to establish a special economic zone in Karachi dedicated to Turkish companies. In addition, the resuscitation of Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad rail rail corridor, with delegations from both nations that meet to end a roadmap.

Several key projects involving Turkish companies are being considered, including Jinnah Medical Complex, Danish University and Offshore Drilling Operations. There is also an effort to engage Turkish expertise in areas such as shipbuilding and water management.

DPM also confirmed the allocation of land in Muzaffarabad for the construction of a Maarif school and stated that several major projects involving Turkish companies were under consideration, including privatization of power distribution companies.

In addition, Pakistan and Turkiye prioritize capacity building in terrorism. “These initiatives are seen as laying the foundation of the 8th HLSCC, held in Turkiye next year,” noted Dar.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the growing strength of bilateral connections and emphasized the importance of strengthening air, sea, land and rail links between the two countries.

In regional issues, Fidan Pakistan’s restraint praised the recent tensions with India and added: “All international communities have seen Pakistan’s wisdom and calm attitude under the tension.” He also condemned Israeli’s actions in Gaza and Iran as a violation of international law and confirmed Turkiye’s obligation to a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on invitation from Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Minister of National Defense, Yasar Güler, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday.

FM Dar welcomed the visitors DIGNITARY and emphasized the close and fraternal relationships between Pakistan and Turkiye. The Turkish Foreign Minister disseminated warm greetings from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and confirmed Turkiye’s strong desire to elaborate on cooperation with Pakistan.

He highlighted the deep historical, cultural and religious ties that support the sustained relationship between the two nations.