ISTANBUL: The premier while citing huge potential in the field of alternate energy in both countries, called for Turkiye and Pakistan to join hands for the production of solar, wind, and hydel energy to cut carbon emissions and open up new avenues of investment cooperation.

Shahbaz Sharif is currently in Turkiye on a two-day official visit and is accompanied by Naval chief Admiral Amjad Niazi, other senior officials, and federal ministers.

The MILGEM project, based on joint collaboration between the two countries, represents a significant milestone in the Pakistan-Türkiye strategic partnership that continues to progress on an upward trajectory.

The launching ceremony for the first Corvette for the Pakistan Navy, PNS Babur, was performed in Istanbul in August 2021while the groundbreaking for the Second Ship, PNS Badr, was held in Karachi in May 2022.

On his arrival at the venue, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the prime minister who was accompanied by a high-level delegation.

The prime minister was given the guard of honor as the national anthems of the countries were also played.

The prime minister, addressing the launching ceremony of the third of the four MILGEM Corvette Ships for the Pakistan Navy, PNS Khaiber, at the Istanbul Shipyard, said it was high time the two countries transformed their ties into a strategic partnership as the world was “envious” of the relationship between two brotherly countries.

The premier while citing huge potential in the field of alternate energy in both countries, called for Turkey and Pakistan to join hands for the production of solar, wind, and hydel energy to cut the carbon emission and open up new avenues of investment cooperation.

He said that like the rest of the world, Pakistan was also facing an energy crisis. “Pakistan is taking steps for cheap energy sources, so Pakistan and Turkey have to work together for energy while both countries are concerned about the environment.”

He said that Turkiye was helping with solar, wind, and hydro energy and the projects would help strengthen relations between both countries.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was recently affected by the devastating floods for which Turkey sent aid through 15 planes and 13 trains.

Calling Turkiye his “second home” the prime minister recalled the support extended by the people of Pakistan at the time when Turkiye was fighting for freedom.

He said while supporting the Turkish people, our forefathers never knew that Turkey would stand by Pakistan through thick and thin and on all international platforms instead, they had done so out of their religious brotherhood.

He appreciated the “visionary leadership” of President Erdogan, the prime minister said he had transformed Turkiye into a modern society. He also spoke highly of the social welfare projects executed by the Turkish government even in far-flung areas besides transforming the agriculture and industrial sectors.

He appreciated the role of President Erdogan in brokering a deal between Russia and Ukraine for wheat export for the benefit of developing countries like Pakistan.

He told the gathering that Pakistan was recently hit by one of the most devastating flood and within no time, Turkiye sent 13 goods trains carrying 72,000 tons of humanitarian goods and 15 Turkey military aircraft carrying food, tent, medicines and medical teams.

In his address, Turkish President Erdogan said Turkiye had achieved great things in the field of defence cooperation.

He told the gathering that four corvettes were being produced under MILGEM project – two locally and two in Pakistan. The final ship will be delivered in February 2025, he added.

The Turkish president said his government would carry Turkiye to first place in the world’s defence industry super league as the country was expanding its domestic naval and air military projects. In 2023, Turkiye’s new homegrown drone and fighter jet will be launched, he added.