On July 9, 2025, Turkey and Pakistan convened in Islamabad to advance their strategic partnership, with a focus on defence and energy cooperation. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yaşar Güler met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, aiming to elevate bilateral trade to $5 billion. The discussions, held under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), emphasized strengthening ties in defence production, energy exploration, and infrastructure development.
The delegations explored expanding defence collaboration, with Pakistan seeking to leverage Turkey’s expertise in advanced military technologies, including drones and aerospace systems. A key highlight was the agreement to establish joint working groups for co-production in unmanned aerial systems and avionics, alongside plans for enhanced joint military exercises. The Turkish side praised Pakistan’s military readiness, particularly in recent regional tensions, and both nations committed to counterterrorism efforts.
In energy, the talks focused on joint ventures in oil and gas exploration, building on an April 2025 agreement between Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Pakistan’s national oil companies. Discussions also covered renewable energy projects, with Turkey offering technical support for Pakistan’s solar and hydropower initiatives. Both countries agreed to prioritize transport connectivity, including reviving the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad rail corridor to boost trade.
The meeting reaffirmed the deep historical and cultural bonds between the two nations, with Turkey expressing support for Pakistan’s stance on regional peace. Plans were also discussed to establish a Special Economic Zone in Karachi for Turkish enterprises, alongside educational initiatives like the Maarif School in Muzaffarabad. The next HLSCC session, scheduled for 2026 in Turkey, will review progress on these commitments.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 10th, 2025
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