Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler are scheduled to undertake an official visit to Pakistan tomorrow, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between the two “friendly and brotherly” nations.
According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation will hold key meetings including an audience with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Discussions are also expected with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, as well as the Commander of the Pakistan Army, General Asim Munir.
During the visit, Minister Fidan is anticipated to reaffirm Turkey’s exceptional bilateral political relations with Pakistan and emphasize the mutual objective of further strengthening cooperation across all sectors. Highlighting the robust progress in political, economic, trade, military, and defense industry ties, Fidan is expected to review ongoing initiatives since the last High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting in Islamabad in February 2025 and stress the importance of timely preparations for the next session planned for 2026 in Turkey.
Fidan is also likely to underscore the necessity of continuing close dialogue and coordinated cooperation on regional and global issues. Reflecting on Turkey’s satisfaction with the de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India in May, he is expected to reiterate Turkey’s readiness to contribute to steps fostering peace and stability in the region.
The visit will also focus on enhancing defense industry collaboration in the evolving regional security environment. Fidan is expected to highlight the critical importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in security and counter-terrorism efforts.
On broader regional challenges, Fidan will reportedly emphasize the vital role of a lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue for achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. He is also expected to address concerns about instability in Afghanistan, describing it as a direct threat to regional security.
This upcoming visit marks Fidan’s second official trip to Pakistan, following his initial visit from May 18-20, 2024. The two ministers last met in Istanbul during the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in June 2024.
Turkey-Pakistan Relations
Since 2009, Turkey and Pakistan have institutionalized their highest-level political cooperation through the High-Level Cooperation Council, later upgraded to the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). To date, seven HLSCC meetings have been held, with the latest convened in Islamabad in February 2025. These meetings have resulted in the signing of over 100 agreements and the revitalization of joint working groups and permanent committees across multiple sectors. The 8th HLSCC session is expected to take place in Turkey in 2026.
Pakistan continues to support Turkey’s efforts against terrorist organizations including FETÖ, PKK, and ISIS.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has reached approximately $1.3 billion in 2024, with ambitions to increase the volume to $5 billion. Turkish investments in Pakistan total nearly $2 billion, while Turkish contractors have completed 72 projects valued at approximately $3.5 billion.
Additionally, both countries are exploring new cooperation opportunities in energy and critical minerals sectors to further diversify and deepen their economic partnership.
