‘Two states, one nation’: Pakistan, Türkiye strengthen historical brotherhood

Pakistan’s FM Dar underscores historic bond with Türkiye, emphasizes defense, trade cooperation and joint anti-terrorism efforts

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, emphasizing the historical brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye, said, “Pakistan and Türkiye are indeed two states but one nation.”

Dar made these remarks during a joint press conference in Islamabad with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan following their meeting.

Dar highlighted the strong relationship between the two countries, rooted in history, religion and culture, stating: “Pakistan and Türkiye have extremely historical brotherly relations. We have a relationship based on friendship, brotherhood, history, religion, and culture.”

Pointing out that the relationship between the two countries dates back “long before” Pakistan’s formation, Dar used the expression “Pakistan and Türkiye are indeed two states but one nation.”

Institutional mechanisms and high-level visits support the strategic and comprehensive relationship between Türkiye and Pakistan, as noted by Dar. He mentioned that since assuming office, he has prioritized establishing a regular dialogue with Minister Fidan on bilateral and international issues, with extensive inter-delegation meetings during Fidan’s visit.

Growing Trade Relations

Dar mentioned discussions with Fidan on commercial and investment relations, particularly in defense industries, stating: “Our cooperation in all these areas is strengthening every day.”

Dar emphasized the importance of trade and defense industries in bilateral relations, stating that the two countries aim to raise their trade volume to $5 billion. He also highlighted the upcoming meeting of the Pakistan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad, underscoring its significance.

Dar emphasized significant cooperation projects in the defense industry between the two countries, stating: “Pakistan and Türkiye are working together in various joint ventures, continuing to support each other’s territories and sovereignty while combating all forms of terrorism.”

Cooperation between two countries

Dar stated that Türkiye and Pakistan support each other on fundamental issues, including during “national disasters.” He highlighted their collaboration in combating Islamophobia and mentioned Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci’s appointment as the Islamophobia Special Representative of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during its 15th Summit in Banjul, Gambia, on May 4–5.

Dar emphasized Türkiye’s support, particularly regarding the fate of Muslims illegally occupying Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s efforts to support the Turkish Cypriot people in Northern Cyprus.

During his meeting with Fidan, Dar also discussed the situation in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of a lasting ceasefire and humanitarian aid, and expressed condolences for the loss of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash.

Fidan-Shanbaz meeting

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif received Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

A post on the Ministry’s official social media platform stated Fidan was received by Prime Minister Sharif in Islamabad.

Fidan also met with Pakistan Senate President Yousuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad.

Source: AA