Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Muhammad Ishak Dar said that his country admires how Turkey increased the localization of the defense industry from 20 to 80 percent, and wants to adopt this experience.
The gift spoke at a joint press conference in Islamabad after negotiations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Hakan Fidan and the Minister of National Defense Yashar Guller.
He emphasized that relations between Turkey and Pakistan are strong and fraternal, and a regular exchange of views on various bilateral and international issues only strengthens this partnership.
“We want to strengthen cooperation in the field of defense industry, because we consider this important for peace and stability in our region,” said the gift.
He recalled that the presidents of both countries – Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Shahbaz Sharif – decided to create a joint commission as part of a high -level strategic cooperation council. The first meeting of this commission, he said, has already taken place and covered 12 standing committees, including on security, education, tourism and trade.
The gift also said that plans were discussed to create a special economic zone for Turkish investors in Karachi, the development of the Istanbul-Tegeran-Islamabad railway route, as well as the construction of the Maarifada Foundation in Muzufafrada.
In addition, Turkish companies plan to implement a project of a university complex in Pakistan and take part in oil intelligence. Joint efforts to increase potential in the fight against terrorism, the effective use of water resources in agriculture and infrastructure development are discussed.
“All these initiatives will be evaluated in 2026 at the highest level under the leadership of the presidents of Erdogan and the Sharif,” the gift said.
He emphasized that Pakistan considers Turkey a reliable friend: “This people have always been next to us. History is full of examples of our fraternal support, including during the last conflict between India and Pakistan. This unique attitude cannot be described in order – to understand this, you need to be a Pakistani. Pakistan gives great importance to the Brotherhood with Turkey and will always go next to the Turkish brothers.”