Islamabad (TDI): Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler reached Islamabad early Wednesday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, according to the Foreign Office.
This marks Fidan’s second visit to Pakistan, with his last trip taking place in May last year.
During their stay, both Turkish dignitaries are expected to meet senior Pakistani officials for in-depth discussions on issues of mutual interest. “The agenda will include all major bilateral matters,” read a post shared by the Foreign Office on X.
The Turkish delegation was received at the airport by Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, who serves as Additional Secretary for West Asia in Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
Officials from both countries have described the visit as another sign of the historically close ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, a bond shaped by common traditions, cultural closeness, and mutual respect.
Islamabad and Ankara enjoy strong bilateral relations built on common cultural, religious, and historical bonds, as well as mutual respect.
On Tuesday, Pakistan had extended condolences to Turkiye after twelve Turkish soldiers died of methane exposure in Iraq during a search mission in the Claw-Lock Operation zone a day earlier.
“We pray for the martyrs and extend our sympathies to their families,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated.
Read More: Pakistan, Turkiye Vow to Deepen Bilateral Ties
Just days ago, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the ECO summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. The two leaders reaffirmed their intent to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as trade, defense, energy, connectivity, and investment.
Read More: Brothers in Arms: Türkiye Naval and Diplomatic Unity With Pakistan During the 2025 Crisis
Their meeting followed an earlier high-level interaction in February, during which both sides committed to achieving a bilateral trade target of $5 billion, signalling a renewed push towards deeper economic collaboration.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
