ISLAMABAD – In a landmark development in Turkish-Pakistani relations, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced a historic agreement allowing Turkish companies to conduct offshore oil and natural gas exploration in Pakistani waters. The announcement came during a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
Describing the agreement as a first of its kind, Minister Fidan emphasized that it marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation across critical sectors such as energy, mining, and defense.
“Our goal is to transform the strong ties between our peoples into an institutionalized partnership. The agreement signed between Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Pakistan’s national oil companies in April is a significant step forward,” Fidan stated.
Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler are currently visiting Pakistan for high-level meetings, including an audience with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the press conference, both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening collaboration in trade, defense, education, and infrastructure.
Foreign Minister highlighted the growing cooperation across various sectors:
“We are working on joint projects in fields ranging from the economy to education. These efforts will further enhance the activities of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council under the leadership of President Erdoğan,” he said.
Targeting $5 Billion in Trade Volume
Both ministers underlined the strategic importance of increasing trade between the two countries, with a mutual goal of reaching a $5 billion bilateral trade volume. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening transportation links, including land, air, and maritime connections.
“Our air connectivity is functioning well, and we aim to enhance land and sea links as well,” Fidan noted.
Defense Cooperation and Counterterrorism
The two sides also expressed a strong commitment to expanding cooperation in defense and counterterrorism. Fidan praised Pakistan for its stance against terrorist organizations such as FETÖ and ISIS.
“Turkey and Pakistan have shown strong determination in the fight against terrorism. We will continue to stand by each other in this regard,” he said.
Fidan also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), reaffirming the strength of the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
Regional Dialogue and Global Security Concerns
Fidan reiterated Turkey’s support for regional dialogue through the Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan trilateral mechanism, stressing the importance of diplomacy and peace:
“As President Erdoğan has said, there are no winners in war and no losers in peace,” Fidan remarked.
Touching on international security, Fidan warned against the global risks posed by Israel’s military aggression, particularly its impact on the credibility of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
“We believe Israel’s aggression poses a risk to the entire world. The attacks have undermined trust in the international order designed to prevent nuclear proliferation,” he said.
He added that Turkey continues to engage in diplomatic contacts with Iran regarding the resumption of nuclear negotiations.
A Strategic Bond for the Future
The visit and the new agreements mark a significant deepening of the strategic partnership between Turkey and Pakistan. Both nations affirmed their commitment to fostering long-term cooperation, enhancing regional stability, and promoting mutual prosperity.
