Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to further strengthen their longstanding bilateral relations and work toward holding the next session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) at the earliest.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul on Sunday.
The meeting focused on the continued expansion of relations between the two countries, with both sides expressing satisfaction over progress in political, economic, security and cultural cooperation.
Pakistan, Türkiye Discuss Stronger Cooperation
During the meeting, Ishaq Dar and Hakan Fidan reviewed the progress made under the Pakistan-Türkiye HLSCC framework.
The two foreign ministers agreed that the next session of the strategic council should be convened at the earliest possible opportunity.
The HLSCC provides a high-level platform for Pakistan and Türkiye to coordinate cooperation across multiple areas and review progress on bilateral initiatives.
Both countries have repeatedly emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation and expanding ties beyond political relations.
The latest discussions are expected to provide further momentum to bilateral engagement and help advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Focus on Political and Economic Relations
Pakistan and Türkiye expressed satisfaction over the continued strengthening of their relations across several sectors.
The discussions covered cooperation in the political, economic, security and cultural fields, reflecting the broad nature of the relationship between Islamabad and Ankara.
Both sides welcomed developments under the HLSCC mechanism and reiterated their commitment to maintaining close coordination.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
According to the information shared following the meeting, Pakistan and Türkiye reaffirmed their commitment to working closely for regional peace and stability.
The discussions come as both countries continue efforts to deepen cooperation and maintain regular high-level contacts.
Early HLSCC Session Agreed
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to hold the next HLSCC session at the earliest.
The council is considered an important mechanism for coordinating bilateral relations and reviewing cooperation between the two countries.
An early session could provide an opportunity for officials from both sides to assess ongoing projects, identify new areas of cooperation and discuss measures to further strengthen economic and strategic ties.
The agreement also signals continued political engagement between Pakistan and Türkiye at the senior leadership level.
Officials Attend Istanbul Meeting
Several Pakistani officials accompanied Ishaq Dar during the meeting in Istanbul.
Those present included Special Secretary (UN) Nabeel Munir, Director General (UN) Umar Siddique, First Secretary Qazi Saleem and Deputy Director to the Foreign Minister Agha Hunain.
Their participation reflects the involvement of senior diplomatic officials in Pakistan’s engagement with Türkiye and discussions on regional and international matters.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to maintain coordination on issues affecting their bilateral relationship as well as wider regional developments.
Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia to Hold Strategic Meeting
Separately, the Foreign Office spokesperson said senior officials from Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are also expected to participate in a strategic committee meeting.
Pakistan will be represented at the meeting by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The participation of senior officials from the three countries highlights the importance being attached to strategic coordination and regional cooperation.
The meeting is expected to provide another platform for discussions on matters of common interest and regional stability.
Bilateral Relations Continue to Expand
Pakistan and Türkiye have maintained close relations for decades, with cooperation extending across diplomacy, defence, trade, investment, culture and other areas.
The latest meeting between Ishaq Dar and Hakan Fidan reinforces the two governments’ stated commitment to expanding this relationship.
The decision to convene the next HLSCC session early could also help translate existing commitments into further practical cooperation.
For Pakistan, stronger engagement with Türkiye remains important as Islamabad seeks to expand economic partnerships while maintaining close strategic and diplomatic relations with key regional countries.
Türkiye, meanwhile, continues to maintain strong political and economic engagement with Pakistan.
With both sides expressing satisfaction over the current trajectory of relations, the early convening of the HLSCC is expected to remain a key focus of bilateral diplomacy in the coming period.
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