ISLAMABAD — July 9, 2025 | GainEstates News
In a major step toward deepening bilateral relations, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler arrived in Islamabad for a high-level visit aimed at enhancing strategic defense, counter-terrorism cooperation, and economic collaboration between Türkiye and Pakistan.
The Turkish delegation met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The meetings focused on strengthening security frameworks and reviewing progress since the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) convened earlier this year in Islamabad.
Security & Defence at the Core of Strategic Dialogue
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to joint defence initiatives, highlighting shared security interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Topics discussed included:
Enhanced counter-terrorism intelligence sharing
Joint training and defence production programs
Regional cooperation against threats stemming from instability in Afghanistan
Türkiye is already Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier, with $21 million in exports recorded in 2023. Ongoing collaborations include the co-production of MILGEM-class naval vessels, which have significantly boosted Pakistan’s shipbuilding capacity and localised defence manufacturing.
Tech-Driven Defence Industry Cooperation
One of the visit’s focal points is advancing technology sharing and joint R&D. Both nations are exploring expanded cooperation in:
Drone technology, including potential sales of the Bayraktar TB2
The TF-X next-generation fighter jet program, with potential Pakistani engineering participation
Cybersecurity and AI integration for defence systems
Such developments point to long-term economic dividends, particularly for aerospace manufacturing, skills development, and military-tech exports from both countries.
Economic and Trade Synergy
The strategic partnership extends well beyond defence. With bilateral trade exceeding $1.3 billion in 2024, both Ankara and Islamabad are targeting sectors like:
Energy and critical minerals
Shipbuilding and logistics
Cyber-technology and industrial parks
“This visit is more than diplomacy—it’s about building long-term, integrated frameworks for cooperation across defense, economy, and innovation,” said a senior diplomat familiar with the delegation’s agenda.
Turkish investments in Pakistan already exceed $2 billion, with 72 major projects completed by Turkish contractors, valued at over $3.5 billion. The creation of special economic zones (SEZs) for Turkish firms in Pakistan remains under active discussion.
Shared Vision for Regional Stability
Türkiye and Pakistan consistently align on major geopolitical issues affecting the Muslim world. Both countries:
Support peace and humanitarian efforts in Gaza and Palestine
Maintain a common position on Kashmir
Condemn cross-border aggression, most notably during recent Indo-Pak tensions
This shared diplomatic stance strengthens the Ankara-Islamabad axis as a voice for regional moderation, peace, and security—creating stable conditions for foreign investment and infrastructure development.
Looking Ahead: Joint Strategic Initiatives
The meetings also laid the groundwork for upcoming milestones, including:
Preparation for the 2026 HLSCC Summit in Türkiye
Expansion of joint defence ventures
Establishment of a bilateral Defence Innovation Centre, combining resources for R&D
As both governments institutionalise this partnership through the HLSCC framework, the goal is clear: to position Türkiye and Pakistan as mutual growth partners in a world facing shifting alliances and global uncertainty.
Why It Matters for GainEstates Readers
The strategic visit reflects:
A maturing alliance that blends defence cooperation with economic opportunity
Strengthening of real estate and industrial development zones, driven by Turkish investment
A commitment to regional security, creating confidence for long-term investors
As bilateral projects grow in scale—from military tech to energy corridors—Türkiye and Pakistan are positioning themselves as rising powers in strategic manufacturing and defence logistics, with spillover effects into real estate, infrastructure, and cross-border trade.
