President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan: A new chapter in strategic relations

As President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares for his official visit to Pakistan on February 12, 2025, both nations are set to mark a significant milestone in their long-standing partnership. While their diplomatic ties have flourished over the years, the volume of bilateral trade between Turkey and Pakistan has remained surprisingly low hovering around $1.3 Billion. Given the vast potential for economic collaboration, this visit is being seen as a critical opportunity to drive tangible outcomes in key areas of bilateral interest.

Boosting Economic Relations: Targeting $5 Billion in Trade

A central objective of President Erdogan’s visit is to address the stagnation in trade and work towards achieving a goal of $5 billion in bilateral trade annually. This ambitious target will be pursued through the expansion of the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF), which has already laid the groundwork for stronger economic ties. One of the main topics of discussion will be the removal of existing trade barriers and the enhancement of trade flows through new agreements and initiatives.

Particularly notable is the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed in 2022, which came into effect in May 2023. This agreement aims to offer preferential tariffs, making goods from both countries more competitive in each other's markets. Alongside the PTA, Turkey has proposed a $350 million credit facility to help fund projects that will further strengthen the economic relationship.

Additionally, Turkish business delegations are visiting Pakistan to explore investment opportunities in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. These efforts are aimed at removing barriers to investment and encouraging Turkish businesses to engage more actively with Pakistan’s rapidly developing economy.

Defense Cooperation: Strengthening Regional Stability

Another key area of focus during President Erdogan’s visit is the deepening of defense and security cooperation. Over recent years, Turkey and Pakistan have steadily built closer ties in the defense sector, with a shared commitment to combat terrorism and extremism in the region. The growing defense cooperation serves not only to improve military capabilities but also to foster closer strategic alignment between the two nations. As both countries face regional security threats, particularly from militant organizations, the visit is expected to further solidify intelligence-sharing efforts and military collaboration. Turkey’s proactive approach to defense ties with Pakistan is also rooted in a shared historical bond and a mutual interest in stabilizing the broader region. This defense partnership is particularly significant as Turkey seeks to enhance its influence in both the Muslim world and global security discussions, offering Pakistan advanced defense technologies, including drones and military hardware.

Cultural and Educational Ties: Building Stronger People-to-People Connections:

Beyond trade and defense, the Erdogan visit is set to deepen cultural and educational exchanges. With both countries sharing a rich cultural and religious heritage, efforts will be made to foster greater people-to-people connections. Collaborative educational projects, student exchange programs, and cultural exhibitions are just a few initiatives that will likely be explored to further strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of Turkey and Pakistan.

Turkey’s Rising Diplomatic Influence:

A Global Perspective This visit comes at a time when Turkey has been asserting itself as a key player in international diplomacy. Turkey’s recent diplomatic successes, including facilitating peace talks between Ethiopia and Somalia and spearheading regional cooperation efforts to combat terrorism, have elevated its status on the global stage. These achievements not only bolster Turkey’s image as a stabilizing force in regional conflicts but also reinforce the importance of strengthening ties with strategic partners like Pakistan.

President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan is expected to serve as a catalyst for a new era in bilateral relations. From economic cooperation to defense and cultural exchanges, the visit will undoubtedly lay the foundation for a more robust and diversified partnership between the two nations. By addressing long-standing trade barriers and forging deeper alliances in critical areas, both Turkey and Pakistan aim to chart a course toward a future of shared prosperity and security.

In summary, the visit will not only enhance Turkey-Pakistan relations in various sectors but also mark a defining moment in the broader context of Turkey’s global diplomatic ambitions. With high hopes of achieving the $5 billion trade target and a deepened strategic partnership, President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan is poised to deliver lasting benefits for both nations.

The author is Assistant Professor - Faculty of Economics - Istanbul University, President Pakistan-Türkiye Friendship Association.