ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan and Turkiye reached a significant agreement to boost their trade and investment ties, focusing on implementing existing agreements, finalizing ongoing discussions, and enhancing the Pakistan-Türkiye Strategic Economic Framework (SEF).
The agreement was made during the 7th session of the Pakistan-Türkiye Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nuh Yilmaz, led their respective delegations.
The two countries thoroughly reviewed their cooperation in various areas, including political relations, trade, investment, energy, security, defense, information technology, culture, tourism, education, and consular matters. They also discussed their collaborative efforts in regional and multilateral forums.
Both sides highlighted the importance of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) and agreed to hold its 7th session in Islamabad soon. They acknowledged their strong defense and security collaboration and committed to advancing this partnership through joint ventures and new technologies.
The countries are committed to elevating their trade volume and enhancing investment cooperation. They plan to fully implement existing agreements, finalize those in discussion, and upgrade the SEF. They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Foreign Secretary Qazi praised Turkiye for its consistent support regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Both nations expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the plight of the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The two countries also expressed satisfaction with their joint efforts in multilateral forums like the UN, OIC, ECO, and D8, and agreed to continue their cooperation, including addressing Islamophobia.
The Turkish delegation, led by Deputy Minister Nuh Yilmaz, also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Turkiye and advancing bilateral dialogue.
The BPC serves as a crucial platform for reviewing and enhancing bilateral relations, exploring new areas of cooperation, and reinforcing the historic and strategic ties between Pakistan and Turkiye.
