WEBDESK: In a move to deepen longstanding ties, senior Turkish ministers arrived in Pakistan late Tuesday night as part of a high-level delegation. The visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen defence, diplomatic cooperation, as well as broader collaboration between the two brotherly nations.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Güler travelled separately to Islamabad, where they were received by Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary (West Asia) at Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
“The visit highlights the close brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a long history of friendship,” the Foreign Office noted in a statement.
Turkish officials are expected to hold wide-ranging discussions with their Pakistani counterparts on security, economic ties, and regional matters of concern.
According to media reports, their itinerary includes meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The two sides will also review the follow-up on commitments made during the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting held earlier in February. The Palestinian issue is anticipated to be one of the key points of discussion.
Ankara and Islamabad already enjoy a close partnership in several sectors including defence, trade, and counter-terrorism. Turkish media highlighted that the visit aims to “advance bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and counter-terrorism.”
Defence collaboration is expected to feature prominently in the talks. With Turkiye currently ranking as Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier, both sides are likely to explore further defence procurement and joint projects.
A Turkish report mentioned that Ankara accounted for 11 per cent of Pakistan’s total arms imports in 2023, exporting military equipment worth $21 million.
Fidan, who last visited Islamabad on May 18 in his first official trip as foreign minister, met with top civilian and military leaders then as well. This latest visit, observers say, reflects the consistency in high-level engagement between the two allies.
The Foreign Minister of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan, arrived in Islamabad on an official visit. He was received by Additional Secretary (West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 8, 2025
During his official engagements in Pakistan, all important issues of mutual interest will… pic.twitter.com/sL9RmKzG5r
Pakistan and Turkiye have enjoyed an unconditional relationship in supporting each other regionally and in international affairs in the past couple of years.
It is important to note that Ankara was first in line to support Islamabad when it stood off against India in a military confrontation in the past, an act that also rattled New Delhi.
The Minister of National Defence of Türkiye, Yasar Güler, has arrived in Islamabad on an official visit. He was warmly received by Additional Secretary (West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 8, 2025
During his official visit to Pakistan, key matters of mutual interest will be… pic.twitter.com/RJD8u4Eg9c
Authorities on both sides present the journey as one element of a larger effort to strengthen trust, diplomatic cooperation and strategic alignment between the two nations united in shared history and cultural affinity.
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