Ministers from Turkey touch down in Pakistan, sparking anticipation for discussions on defense and counterterrorism matters.
In a significant development, Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday night, marking a high-point in the growing relationship between the two nations. The visit, based on shared values, mutual respect, and a long history of friendship, is seen as a demonstration of the close brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkey.
The visit is a response to deepening relations between the two countries, with key matters of mutual interest set to be discussed during the official visit. The focus of the discussions is likely to include strategic ties, defense cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts.
The ongoing defense cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey is a testament to their shared values and mutual respect, as evidenced by the delivery of four MILGEM-class corvettes from Turkey to the Pakistan Navy. The first vessel, PNS Babur, was delivered in 2023, with two more built in Istanbul and the remaining two being built at the Karachi Shipyard under a technology transfer arrangement.
The meetings aim to advance bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism and security, considering the shared concerns about regional stability and the impact of terrorism. Discussions also include strengthening defense ties, particularly in the defense industry, with emphasis on aviation and drone systems. This builds on existing collaborations such as the MILGEM-class corvettes project.
The meetings also cover broader strategic partnerships, including energy cooperation. Potential agreements in mining, natural gas, oil, and rare elements are on the table, building on previous agreements like the joint offshore exploration pact.
Expected outcomes include enhanced collaboration in military training, aviation technologies, and drone systems. Strengthened cooperation against terrorism is anticipated, aligning with shared interests in regional stability. The meetings are set to reinforce the historically close ties between Turkey and Pakistan, bolstering mutual support on regional issues, including the Kashmir conflict and the Palestinian problem.
The Turkish state broadcaster TRT International stated that the focus of the visit is to advance bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and counter-terrorism. The delivery of the MILGEM-class corvettes represents a significant step in the defense cooperation between the two countries, demonstrating the success of the cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish defense industry.
The visit comes after Turkey publicly condemned Indian cross-border strikes in Pakistan during a conflict between the two South Asian neighbors in May, further solidifying the alliance between the two nations. The high-level meetings between Turkey's defense and foreign ministers and Pakistan are poised to forge a stronger partnership between the two countries, with potential agreements in various sectors, including defense, energy, and counterterrorism, on the horizon.
- The high-level meetings between Turkey's defense and foreign ministers and Pakistan are not only focused on counterterrorism and security, but also extend to discussions on aviation technologies, drone systems, and military training, aiming to strengthen cooperation in these areas.
- In addition to defense and security, the ongoing visit in Pakistan by Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan includes discussions on potential agreements in mining, natural gas, oil, and rare elements, with a goal to foster energy cooperation between the two nations.
- Beyond the bilateral agreement on the MILGEM-class corvettes project, the focus on aviation and drone systems in defense ties between Turkey and Pakistan indicates a broader interest in technology collaboration, a development that follows the news of Turkey publicly condemning India over cross-border strikes in Pakistan earlier this year.
