Why are Turkish foreign, defence ministers in Pakistan? Hakan Fidan, Yaşar Güler land in Islamabad

In a significant development, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler are in Pakistan on an official visit on Wednesday. The visit comes as New Delhi-Ankara relations remain on shaky terms following the latter's open support to Pakistan in the recent conflict.

While Islamabad states that the leaders of both countries will discuss all important issues of mutual interest, Turkish media claims the talks will also centre on economy and trade, and importantly, military and defence ties between the countries.

India on the agenda

One of the significant topics on the table would be India. Turkish media 'Hurriyet' says Fidan's agenda includes "tensions Pakistan experienced with India" and Turkey's readiness to contribute towards peace in the region. It then goes on to add that Turkey would want to strengthen its defence ties with Pakistan, which means arming Pakistan with more Turkish weapons. This comes as Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Rahul R. Singh, stated on Friday that Pakistan received critical military support from China and Turkey, to the extent that India had to fight three countries.

As per the data from Trading Economics, Turkey exported approximately $20.95 million worth of arms and ammunition to Pakistan in 2023. Both countries have also partnered in a joint military production to modernise the Pakistan military, particularly in the naval and aerospace sectors.

For Turkey, ties with Pakistan can aid in reshaping Islamabad's relations with Gulf nations, China, the West, and even India. Pakistan also hopes to reap the benefits of the trilateral relationship with Turkey and the Gulf countries. It also hopes that Turkey’s strategic position as a bridge between Asia and Europe and its NATO membership would provide Pakistan with a chance to engage more effectively with Western nations.

Eye on natural gas, oil

Turkey also has an eye on Pakistan's three national oil companies. It is searching for ways to develop cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy and critical minerals. The 'Joint Bidding Agreement' signed between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Pakistani firms in April was a step in this direction.

Middle East