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Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar praised Turkish defense industry transformation during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yasar Guler in Islamabad on Wednesday.
"Pakistan greatly appreciates Türkiye's localization of its defense industry from 20 percent to 80 percent and wants to benefit from Türkiye's experience in this regard," Dar stated during the press conference in Pakistan's capital.
Dar emphasized that strengthening defense industry cooperation would be particularly important, stating, "We believe this is especially important for peace and stability in our region."
Dar outlined comprehensive cooperation plans spanning economy, defense industry, energy, and infrastructure development. The nations agreed to establish a special economic zone for Turkish entrepreneurs in Karachi and pursue the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad railway project.
"We are actively following up on benefiting from Turkish experience and expertise in ship breaking and storage and efficient use of agricultural water," Dar explained.
Turkish companies will also participate in the privatization of distribution companies in Pakistan's power sector, while Turkish firms are working on a university complex project in the country.
The countries agreed to revive their long-dormant joint ministerial commission after an 11-year break. The commission will be co-chaired by Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler.
Both leaders referenced the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council framework established by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which includes 12 Permanent Committees covering security, education, tourism, and trade.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler met separately with Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to discuss bilateral and regional defense cooperation.
The Pakistani commander emphasized the deep fraternal ties between the two nations and expressed determination to strengthen bilateral relations in advanced training activities and aviation technologies.
Guler praised the Pakistan Air Force's superior performance and operational readiness during recent conflicts with India, highlighting the importance of joint projects in advanced avionics technologies and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Dar stressed the unique nature of Pakistan-Türkiye relations, describing Türkiye as a trusted friend that has consistently supported Pakistan.
"This nation has always been by our side. History is full of examples of such brotherhood. We experienced this most recently during the India-Pakistan conflict," Dar said.
"This extremely unique relationship cannot be expressed in words. To truly understand this mutual love, respect and trust, you need to be Pakistani. The relationship between both countries is at an extremely important level. Pakistan attaches great importance to its brotherhood with Türkiye. I want to express that Pakistan will always continue on this path shoulder to shoulder with its Turkish brothers."
All developments will be evaluated in 2026 when President Erdogan and Prime Minister Sharif meet in Türkiye under the Strategic Cooperation Council framework.
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