Ankara, 11 August 2022 (TDI): Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives of Pakistan, met Ibrahim Senel, President of Strategy & Budget Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye on Wednesday.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal is on a visit to #Turkey. He met Mr. İbrahim Şenel, President of Strategy & Budget Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye today in Ankara. Both sides discussed ways to deepen #trade, economic and #investment engagement between the two countries. pic.twitter.com/Q50i7A6zB7
— M/o Planning Development & Special Initiatives (@PlanComPakistan) August 10, 2022
The Pakistani Minister arrived in Turkiye on Tuesday, on a three-day official visit. During the meeting, he exchanged views on increasing bilateral cooperation between Turkiye and Pakistan.
Moreover, Minister Ahsan Iqbal suggested experience sharing in attracting foreign investment, participation in global supply chains, enhancing productivity, and increasing export potential.
Both sides held discussions on strengthening trade and economic relations. They also agreed to remain engaged in working on common areas of interest.
Moreover, Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, leader of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and other Turkish officials also attended the meeting.
Pakistan and Turkiye Diplomatic Ties
Pakistan and Turkiye established their diplomatic relations in 1947 and will mark 75 years of their dies this year. Since then, the two countries have supported each other in getting through difficult challenges including natural disasters.
The states promote the deepening of close people-to-people ties due to shared religious and cultural history.
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In 2009, Pak-Turkiye relations were institutionalized by establishing the High-Level Cooperation Council. Later, it was upgraded to the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Apart from this, the two countries also maintain strong trade relations.
Both countries are signatories to Trade Agreement, and the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement was signed in 1976. Bilateral trade between Turkiye and Pakistan has reached about $10 billion in the past few years.
Moreover, there have been frequent official visits of state officials to enhance bilateral cooperation. In February 2020, the President of Turkiye, Tayyip Erdogan visited Pakistan and attended the 6th meeting of the HLSC Council.
During the Turkish President’s visit, several agreements were signed between the countries including the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF).
Moreover, in August 2021, the President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi visited Turkiye to attend the launch of the first MILGEM-class corvette ship built by Türkiye for Pakistan.
Further, Former Pakistani Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi also visited Turkiye in June 2021 and attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Senior year student of International Relations at Kinnaird College.
