In a move aimed at enhancing defense cooperation, Pakistan is set to purchase advanced drone aircraft from Turkey. This decision comes after a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani leaders during President Erdogan’s recent visit to Islamabad. The visit was a significant step in strengthening the already strong ties between the two countries, particularly in the field of defense.
The discussions during this visit focused on various ways to increase cooperation between the two nations. President Erdogan had a private one-hour meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which was also attended by important officials like the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, and Deputy Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. This high-level meeting allowed both sides to discuss the acquisition of advanced drone technology, with Pakistan keen to benefit from Turkey’s expertise in this area.
Pakistan has been looking to improve its defense capabilities, and drones play a key role in modernizing military operations. Turkey, a country known for its advancements in drone technology, has agreed to provide Pakistan with these advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This deal is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s defense sector significantly and allow it to further enhance its surveillance, intelligence gathering, and defense operations.
Both leaders took the opportunity to discuss other important issues during their time together. They explored ways to boost trade and defense cooperation and examined the global political landscape. Pakistan and Turkey emphasized their commitment to deepening their bilateral relations and transforming them into a strategic partnership that benefits both countries.
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During the visit, President Erdogan and Prime Minister Sharif also co-chaired the 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). This session was an important platform for presenting the progress of various joint committees focusing on different areas of cooperation. Two new committees, focusing on Health and Information Technology, were also introduced to explore further collaboration.
The discussions also led to a stronger focus on economic cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Sharif encouraged Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan’s growing economy. Pakistan’s diverse sectors, including agriculture, emerging technologies, energy, and mining, present ample opportunities for Turkish businesses. The prime minister’s call for increased business interaction aims to maximize the economic potential between the two countries.
In addition to military and economic cooperation, both leaders also touched on the ongoing issues in the Middle East, including the Palestinian cause. Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for Turkey’s stance on this matter, particularly the call for a two-state solution for Palestine. The leaders expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, underlining their shared commitment to peace and justice in the region.
At the end of the visit, a Joint Declaration was signed, and 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), protocols, and agreements were exchanged in various sectors, further cementing the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkey. These agreements are expected to pave the way for even closer cooperation in the future.
This visit has set the stage for a new chapter in Pakistan-Turkey relations, with defense, trade, and political cooperation taking center stage. The decision to acquire advanced drones from Turkey marks just one of the many steps Pakistan is taking to enhance its defense capabilities while also fostering stronger economic ties with one of its key allies.
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