For years on end, Turkiye and Pakistan have enjoyed the agency of brotherly relations. Not only have we been historically bound, but we have also streamed rivers into seas with cooperation and partnerships, from cultural to economic to language and energy. Just two months ago, we were here for the visit of President of Turkiye, HE Recep Tayyip Erdogan and how glad I was to be back in the beautiful city of Islamabad for the Pakistan Mining Investment Forum.
Turkish-Pakistani energy relations have dived into a deeper route than ever before. From deep-sea drilling and seismic research to know-how transfer in critical minerals and electricity production. On my recent trip, it was an honourable experience to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and sign off on the Memorandum of Understanding where Turkish Petroleum will jointly bid with the national oil companies of Pakistan in the Indus offshore basin. We look forward to this exciting opportunity that will open doors to decades long partnerships. I would like to congratulate my counterpart, HE Minister of Oil Ali Pervaiz Malik, on this outstanding cooperation.
But we are not limited to oil and gas, Turkiye and Pakistan are also working together in know-how transfer for critical minerals. Both countries have significant reserves and the development of these sites will offer a strategic value chain benefiting both nations. Similar to the gold rush of the mid-19th century, we now live in the age of ‘critical minerals rush’. Nations that control the supply of their critical minerals, including rare earth elements, will hold the competitive advantage.
Turkiye has developed a simultaneous understanding of performing strategic and collaborative paths to reach the growing energy demands of our populations and industries. Over the last two decades, Turkiye has realised a reform that has attracted over $100 billion of investments into its electricity markets. As a result, the country now enjoys a competitive market that incentivises new investments and provides affordable prices for its citizens. Pakistan today is on the verge of a similar reform. We are ready to share our experiences and fully support the Pakistani leadership for their determination.
The recent developments in our relations will benefit not only both nations but add to the stability and prosperity of local economies and the region as a whole. A strong Turkiye-Pakistan partnership is one full of opportunities. Long live the people of Pakistan and Turkiye, long live Turkish-Pakistani brotherhood.
The writer is Turkiye’s minister of energy and natural resources.
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