Islamabad (TDI): Today, Türkiye celebrates its national Day, and on this historic occasion, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Türkiye on the 101st Republic Day.
The bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkiye has flourished, rooted in a profound sense of friendship and mutual respect since Pakistan’s emergence as an independent nation on 14 August 1947. Additionally, the year 2024 marks the 77th anniversary of Pakistan- Türkiye Relations.
Shehbaz Sharif Prime minister of Pakistan on this historic day at X twitted:
“I would like to congratulate my dear brother H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the entire Turkish nation on their 101st Republic Day. As you celebrate this momentous occasion, Pakistan takes great pride in your remarkable progress and achievements. I am confident that the historic brotherly ties between our two nations will continue to strengthen with every passing day. Together, we will take this special relationship to even greater heights”. Long Live Pakistan-Turkiye friendship!
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Amir of Jamaat e Islami Hafiz Naeem, Ambassador of Turkiye Dr. Irfan Naziroglu, and others commemorating Türkiye’s National Day by cutting a cake on October 29, 2024.
Historical & Cultural Relations:
The historical connections between the two regions extend back many generations, preceding the formation of the respective states.
This relationship can be traced to the Turkish War of Independence, during which the Muslim communities of the northwestern British Raj, now known as pre-independent Pakistan, provided financial support to the waning Ottoman Empire.
This act of solidarity was succeeded by the establishment of the Turkish Republic and the subsequent independence of Pakistan.
Furthermore, the two nations possess a shared historical connection through Islamic ties, as the Muslim population during the British Raj recognized the Ottoman Sultan as their Caliph, representing the Caliph of Islam and all Muslims.
Consequently, Pakistan and its people have maintained a favorable image in Turkey and among the Turkish community for many years.
Pakistan and Turkey share a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and military ties, which are now evolving into a more profound economic partnership as both nations strive to enhance their economic landscapes.
Turkey expresses its backing for Pakistan’s stance on conducting a plebiscite under UN auspices to determine Kashmir’s desire to join Pakistan.
This position was reiterated by Turkish President Erdogan during a joint address to the Pakistani parliament, which was also attended by the high command of Pakistan’s military.
Turkey expresses its support for Pakistan’s inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Talat Masood expressed that Turkey and Pakistan maintain strong ties throughout various governmental structures, highlighting the profound connection between the two countries.
Pakistan- Türkiye Bilateral & Diplomatic Relations:
The relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye has flourished, rooted in a profound sense of friendship and mutual respect since Pakistan’s emergence as an independent nation on 14 August 1947.
The achievements of Türkiye in creating a contemporary state following the war have served as a motivating example for the people of Pakistan.
The assistance provided by the Muslims of the sub-continent during the Turkish War of Independence holds significant importance in the hearts of the Turkish people.
Read More: Turkish envoys meets Zardari, Presents Credentials
In the aftermath of Pakistan’s establishment, the exchange of high-level visits fostered amicable relations, while the mutual support during challenging times, including natural disasters, significantly strengthened the bonds between the two nations and their peoples.
The relationship between the two nations has been formalized through the creation of the High Level Cooperation Council in 2009, which was subsequently elevated to the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).
The sixth meeting of HLSCC took place in Islamabad during the recent visit of President H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan on 13-14 February 2020.
During the visit, a total of 13 documents were signed, which included the joint statement from the HLSCC and the “Strategic Economic Framework” (SEF).
The upcoming session of the HLSCC is set to take place in Türkiye.
His Excellency Dr. Arif Alvi, former President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, made an official visit to Türkiye on the 15th and 16th of August 2021 to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the first of four MILGEM-class corvette ships constructed by Türkiye for Pakistan.
His Excellency Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, made a visit to Türkiye to participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which took place from June 18 to June 20, 2021, upon the invitation of His Excellency Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.
H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently traveled to Islamabad to participate in the OIC Foreign Ministers Council meetings that took place on 22-23 March 2022.
Pakistan- Türkiye Bilateral Economic & Trade Relations:
Turkey and Pakistan are founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization and are integral participants in the Developing 8 Countries (D-8) organization.
Both countries are in the process of establishing a preferential trading agreement, a move that is expected to significantly boost trade and investment opportunities.
This agreement, once in place, will particularly benefit sectors such as transport, telecommunications, manufacturing, tourism, and various other industries.
Both governments have set a clear goal of ramping up the volume of bilateral trade.
Their aim is to elevate the current trade volume of $690 million to over $1 billion by 2010, demonstrating their commitment to fostering economic growth.
Pakistan’s exports include rice, sesame seeds, leather, textiles, sports goods, and medical equipment.
Turkey’s exports to Pakistan include wheat, chickpeas, lentils, diesel, chemicals, transport vehicles, machinery, and energy products.
Turkish private corporations have invested substantially in various industrial and construction initiatives, focusing on developing highways, pipelines, and canals.
The two nations are engaged in discussions regarding the Turkey-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.
In August 2022, Pakistan and Turkey reached an agreement to enhance trade relations through a Preferential Trade Agreement.
As part of the agreement, Turkey extended concessions to Pakistan across 261 tariff lines, encompassing both agricultural and industrial sectors. Conversely, Pakistan extended concessions to Turkey concerning 130 tariff lines.
Turkey has experienced a notable rise in the number of Pakistani tourists in recent years. These tourists play a valuable role in enhancing the country’s tourism sector, an important component of the national economy.
Read More: Pak-Turkiye Ministers Commits to enhance bilateral trade
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that individuals from Pakistan have established themselves in Turkey as investors, contributing positively to the diverse fabric of Turkey’s economy.
This additionally encompasses property investment by individuals from Pakistan.
Pakistani tourists frequently choose Turkish Airlines for their journeys, whether to explore Turkey or to transit through the country in-route to other destinations.
This practice plays a significant role in supporting Turkey’s transportation sector, an essential component of the nation’s economy. Thus, Pakistan enjoys longstanding diplomatic relations with Turkey.
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