Islamabad, In a significant move to deepen bilateral relations, Turkiye and Pakistan have agreed to explore joint export-oriented production ventures within Special Economic Zones (SEZs), alongside enhancing cultural cooperation. This development was discussed during a courtesy meeting between Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, and Ahsan Iqbal, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.

According to Press Information Department, the ambassador congratulated Minister Iqbal on his recent assumption of office and briefed him on the forthcoming meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) between Turkiye and Pakistan. The longstanding warm friendship between the two nations was highlighted, with a particular focus on their mutual support during natural disasters, such as the floods in Pakistan in 2022 and the recent earthquake in Turkiye that affected 11 provinces and resulted in over 50,000 deaths.

Minister Iqbal expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s support during the floods and proposed exploring opportunities for joint ventures, especially in the production of export items to third countries. He suggested leveraging Pakistan’s lower labor costs to set up industries in SEZs for exporting goods to Europe, which could be mutually beneficial. Additionally, both parties discussed enhancing cultural cooperation in arts and media.

The meeting also touched upon global issues, with both sides expressing concern over Islamophobic attacks against Muslims worldwide and reaffirming their commitment to combat terrorism. This dialogue underscores a commitment to not only strengthen economic ties but also to stand together on socio-political issues affecting their regions and beyond.