Turkiye's foreign, defence ministers arrive

ISLAMABAD: Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defence, Yasar Guler have arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on an official visit. They were warmly received by Additional Secretary (West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani.

During their official engagements in Pakistan, all important issues of mutual interest will be discussed. The visit reflects the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual trust. The delegation is also expected to discuss measures to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Pakistan last on May 18, which was also his first official visit, when he met with the top civilian and military leadership.

Diplomatic sources in Islamabad and Turkiye say the delegation will spend a busy day and call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. “Türkiye and Pakistan enjoy close bilateral relations in the fields of economy, trade and defence. The high-level visit is expected to advance bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and counter-terrorism,” said the Turkish media.The Palestinian issue will top the different issues that the two sides will bring to the table besides reviewing the progress of the February High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting. Both the delegations would also discuss measures to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation at a time when Turkiye has emerged as Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier. “Ankara fulfilled 11 percent of Islamabad’s total arms needs in 2023 by exporting weaponry and ammunition worth $21 million,” pointed out a Turkish report.

Of great significance is the fact that Turkiye was not only the first country to express solidarity with Pakistan during the Indian attack but throughout the conflict Ankara kept voicing its support, something which had greatly upset India.