In a bid to deepen strategic ties and bolster defence and counter-terrorism collaboration, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Güler arrived in Pakistan late Tuesday night on a high-level official visit.
The two ministers were received separately at Nur Khan Airbase by senior Pakistani officials, including Additional Secretary (West Asia) of the Foreign Office, Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the visit aims to strengthen the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye, founded on “shared values, mutual respect, and a long history of friendship.”
During their stay, the Turkish delegation is scheduled to hold key meetings with Pakistan’s civil and military leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Security, Defence, and the Palestinian Cause on Agenda
Diplomatic sources confirmed that the visit will feature in-depth discussions on regional and global issues, with particular focus on security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and the evolving situation in the Middle East. The Palestinian issue is expected to top the agenda, reflecting both nations’ shared concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a united Muslim response.
The two sides will also review progress made during the February session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, with follow-up measures expected to further institutionalize bilateral frameworks.
Defence Cooperation Set to Deepen
The visit comes at a time of growing defence collaboration between the two countries. Turkish media reports highlight that Turkiye became Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier in 2023, accounting for 11% of Pakistan’s total arms imports, with exports of weaponry and ammunition totaling $21 million.
The talks are likely to explore further expansion of this defence partnership, including technology transfers, joint military training, and counter-terrorism mechanisms.
“Pakistan and Turkiye already enjoy robust relations across trade, economy, and security, and this visit will further advance our shared goals of peace and regional stability,” stated Turkish diplomatic sources.
Solidarity During Conflict Praised
Observers also note the symbolic weight of the visit, recalling Turkiye’s unwavering diplomatic support for Pakistan during past conflicts with India. Ankara was the first to express solidarity with Islamabad following the Indian air strikes, and consistently voiced support for Pakistan’s position — a stance that had irked New Delhi but strengthened bonds between the two Muslim-majority nations.
Busy Diplomatic Day Ahead
Both Turkish ministers are expected to engage in a packed schedule of high-level meetings throughout Wednesday, focusing on operationalizing new agreements, addressing regional threats, and exploring avenues for enhanced intelligence-sharing and defence production.
This visit, Foreign Office officials noted, marks another milestone in the steadily evolving Pakistan-Turkiye strategic relationship, which continues to gain momentum amid shared geopolitical priorities and converging global outlooks.
