Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to boost bilateral trade from $1 billion to $5 billion as the two countries decide to strengthen relations in economic and defence sectors.

“During our discussions, we have identified that in order to strengthen our brotherhood ties and potential we need to advance our steps to further state and by means of that we have identified a new goal of trade volume for $5 billion which is currently $1 billion,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.

Fidan landed in Pakistan on Sunday as the two countries looked to further increase ties.

The statement comes two years after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke about the new trade target during his visit to Turkiye in June 2022. He had urged the business community to tap the potential of historic relations between the two countries.

“We have taken a principal decision in order to broaden and strengthen our relations not only in trade but also in defence primarily and together with this investment in banking, science, technology, and innovation areas,” the Turkish FM said.

He was of the view that developments in Afghanistan have an impact on Pakistan. “It is our wish for our Afghan brothers and sisters to have permanent peace and stability in their country,” he said and added that Pakistan and Turkiye discussed the possibilities of encouraging permanent peace and stability in the country.

The Turkish FM slammed Israel for strikes in Palestine. “We have always stated Israel will not be able to start a war if there is no political or military support. We condemn the ones participating in this crime while lecturing others on human rights and democracy.”

He stressed that the international society should be focusing on two-state solutions by learning from the experience of the past that occurred in the Israel and Palestine conflict.

The visiting dignitary said that Pakistan and Turkiye would collaborate and work together to raise the voice of the Islamic world and also joint efforts would continue to peace and critical geographies of the world.

He invited his Pakistani counterpart to visit the country “as soon as possible.”

Fidan also mentioned the death of the Iranian president, saying that the news of the passing away of Raisi saddened them.

He said that Pakistan has major strategic and economic importance in its geographic situation, bordering China and the Arabian Sea. “It is in the junction of energy-rich countries and major economies.”

He went on to add that Pakistan was its strategic partner and the bilateral cooperation supported the regional stability and safety.

“We stand with Pakistan in their combat against Pakistan. I pray for Allah’s mercy on the souls of Pakistani LEAs martyrs and innocent lives in their combat against terrorism,” he said and added that the two sides also reviewed the preparations for the high strategic cooperation council meeting.

In meeting with COAS Munir, Turkish FM hails army’s peace efforts

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir on Monday and discussed matters of mutual interest with him, the military’s media wing said.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that both sides expressed their satisfaction with the “deep-rooted relations between the two countries, founded on a historic, cultural, and religious bonds.”

The visiting dignitary commended the Pakistan Army’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Turkish FM arrives in Pakistan

The Turkish foreign minister arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan for a two-day official visit on Sunday night, Radio Pakistan reported.

Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Ahmed Naseem Warraich received the Turkish foreign minister and accorded a warm welcome at the airport

During his visit, Fidan will meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and hold extensive discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

“The two sides will review the state of bilateral relations and assess preparations for upcoming high-level engagements between the two countries,” the Foreign Office said.

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