Pak-Turkey Relation

The sentiments of brotherhood that Pakistanis have for people of Turkey

have their roots in history. This history of Pak-Turkish relations is a
story of concern and cooperation .They have been friends and supported
each other in time of war as well as peace. The story of their friendship
is spread almost over a country.

The institutions of Khilafat have occupied a very important place in the

history of Islamic peoples. After the sack of Baghdad in 1258 AD the
Khilafat passed into the hands of Fatimid rulers of Egypt and finally into
those of the Ottoman Sultans in the first half of the sixteen century. The
Mughal rulers of India did not recognize the Ottoman sultans as their
spiritual head. Instead, they got the Khutbah read in their own name.
After the disintegration of Mughal Empire, however, there occurred a
change, and the name of the Ottoman caliph was extensively used in
sermon from the pulpit at Friday prayers in India. This had little political
significance but it showed that sizeable sections of the Muslims
community in South Asia regarded the Caliph as the symbol of Islamic
unity and a source of spiritual inspiration (Ali, 2001).

It was in the year 1897 that a serious agitation started in Aligarh during
the Greco-Turkish war against the British Government for helping the
Greeks against Turks. At that time Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was obliged to
issue a statement to the press informing to British Government that the
sympathy of young Muslims for the Turks because of their religious
affinity. At the same time latterly Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk who
succeeded Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in his office to have a meeting and
discussed the situation on the occasion of the British plan grab Aqba,
which was restricted by the Sultan Ahmed Khan. He had to pacify the
Muslims students of Aligarh by a similar statement. When the Tripoli
was attacked by the Italians in 1911 with the connivance of British
Government, the agitation of Muslim students was great and they held
their meetings in the Mosques to express their resentment against the
British Government in a violent language. As a token of their love for
the Turkish cause they decided they decided to forego their meat dishes
and sent the saving thus made to the Red Crescent. (Ahmad, 2005)

During the Russo-Turkish war of 1877 Muslims showed a good gesture;

during the observation of the prayers in the mosques of Calcutta funds
were accumulated for the injured soldiers of Turkish troops. All
succeeding events and movements in Turkey got the same positive
response in India. During the War of Balkan Indian Muslims sent a
medical commission under the supervision of Dr. M.A. Ansari to their
Turkish brethren. (Burk, 1973).

In 1905 a controversy were rose over the attitude of the Muslims could
adopt in case hostility broke out between England and Turkey. One
school of thought held that the Muslims owed their allegiance and
loyalty to the Sultan of Turkey, because he was the caliph of Islam,
while the other group instead that Muslims should not annoy and
alienate the British by supporting their adversary. Besides they thought
that the Muslims, like all other Indians, owed their allegiance to the
British Rulers. That was the period when the process of the decline and
erosion of the Turkish Empire was being hastened by the design of
imperialist power. At that time France had already seized the Ottoman
provinces of Algeria and Tunisia and was moving to take over Morocco.
The British were firmly entrenched in Egypt. Now the Italian sought
European support for their claim on Tripoli and Cyrenaica. Having been
double encouraged, they began their invasion in 1911. This led to war
between Italy and Turkey and touched off the Balkan wars of1912-13,
which in turn merged with World War 1 (Ali, 2001).

The Muslims expressed their resentment through the press and warned
the British government of the grave consequences of helping the Balkan
states. In November 1912, when the Prince of Wales visited India at that
time the Muslims as a protest against the British policy towards the
Turks, boycotted the functions held to welcome him. Nothing less than
forty thousand Muslims were sent to jail, several lawyers boycotted the
law courts, hundreds of students gave up their studies, hundreds resigned
from the government services and over a thousand people were killed in
Malabar (Ahmad, 2005).

On 4 August 1914, the World War 1 was breaking out. At that time the
Muslims leaders were once again met at Delhi (India) and decided to
send a telegram for Sultan of Turkey not to join the war.

However, on 4 November 1914, Turkey joined Germany in the war

against the Allies. Henceforth, the plight of Turkey remained the main
cause of anxiety for the Muslims of south Asia and they tried to give
Turkey all possible help. The effect of the World War 1, in which the
Ottomans found themselves on the side of the central powers, was the
final integration of the Turkish Empire and the division of its territories
as spoils of war between the victors-the British and the French.

In June 1916 Sharif Hussain revolted against the sultan and seized power
in Hejaz. At that time the Muslims of British India considered this
rebellion a British engineered stab in the back of the Millat. Thus, All
India Muslim League passed a resolution and condemning the
outrageous conduct of Shrief Hussain. The Muslims of British India
gave enthusiastic support to the Turks (Ahmad, 2005).

After the Turkish defeat in World War I, the Indian Muslims tried their
level best that the spiritual and territorial value of Turkish Sultan should
remain unabridged. Till the mid of 1920, anti-British feelings were
tenser among the Indian Muslims then other Indian subjects. In the result
of these burning feelings Khilafat Movement was launched in India to
preserve the Turkish Khilafat. (Burke, 1973)

During Caliphate (Khilafat) Movement Prominent Leaders of great

repute like Molana Muhammad Ali, Shaukat Ali, Abul Kalam Azad, and
Shibli Numani condemned in unequivocal terms the brutalities
perpetrated on the Turks by the aggressors. On the other side the Agha
Khan (president of All India Muslim League) and Syed Ameer Ali
(president of the London branch of the Muslim League) respectively,
they made honest appeals to the British Government to save Turkey
from total disintegration. Those campaigns of the Khilafat Movement at
least succeed to collect huge funds for the support of Turks (Ali, 2001).

The plight of the Turks distressed the Indian Muslims deeply. That
deeply grieved the Indian Muslims were highly appreciated because they
blamed all those sufferings upon the British, who they thought were out
to destroy the last bastion of Muslims supremacy. Among those Muslim
Leaders who warned the British government against the consequences of
its interferences with the future of the Khilafat which was led by
Muhammad Ali Johar. He urged the government to take into
consideration the feelings and sentiments of the Indian Muslims with the
regard to Turkey while formulating the policies of the empire. The
Muslims hoped that their strong expression of supporter for Turkey
would persuade the British not to be too harsh in their treatment of
defeated foe.
Turkey signed the armistice on 3 November 1918 immediately, after that
the British forces marched into Mosul. Constantinople was officially
occupied by the Allies mainly by the British. Finally, on 15 May the
Greek armies, at the instance of England entered Smyrna. The British
Government paid no head to the numerous appeals made by the Muslims
from all over the India to spare Turkey. As Muslims hopes were crashed,
they were driven into a confrontation with the British rulers. (Ali, 2001)

On October 1919, the All India Khilafat Committee observed the

Khilafat day. The first session of the Khilafat Conference in New Delhi
was held and it was decided that on 23 November that Muslims would
not participate in the official rejoicing over victory in the war and if their
demands were not accepted. It was also decided that they would boycott
British goods and would not cooperate with the Government. The
prominent member of Khilafat Committee decided that a Muslim
delegation under the leadership of Molana Muhammad Ali Jauhar would
be arranged. After that Muhammad Ali Johar latterly sent to England. At
that time the Muslim demands were presented to the British Prime
Minister Lloyed Georage. His direct reply was that all vanquished states
would be treated alike and there would be no exceptions. One
consequences of the British stand were a decision by groups of Muslims
militants to migrate from British India which was declared Dar-ul-Harb.
On the other side the Indian Muslims were making heavy sacrifices to
save turkey. The Ottoman Sultan Wahid-ud-din accepted the Treaty of
Sevres. This Treaty was never enforced, as the Turks rally in ground
Mustafa Kamal, had established a nationalist government in Angora
(Ankara). They inflicted a crushing defeat on the occupying Greek
forces and expelled them from Antolia (Ali, 2001).

On the other side a Grand National assembly made a decision that to

abolish caliphate disappointed the Muslim masses but Allama
Muhammad Iqbal considered it Ijtihad and argued that according to
spirit of Islam Caliphate can be vested in a body of persons or an elected
Assembly. (Iqbal, 1989)

On 8 July 1921, Molana Muhammad Ali presided over a session of the

Khilafat Conference in Karachi, in which he warned the British
Government: ‘if the British Government fought the Angola Government,
the Muslims of India would resort to civil disobedience, proclaim
complete independence and hoist the flag of the Indian Republic at the
Ahmadabad session of the Indian National Congress” (Wasti, 1976).

Materially, Kamal’s strong support came from the Indian Muslims, who
saw nationalist Turkey as the only independent Muslim nation. The
Khilafat Committee in Bombay started a fund to help the Turkish
nationalist struggle, establishing contact with a representative of Kamal
in Constantinople who received constant letters of encouragement. Part
of the Indian Muslims fund, which eventually amounted to some
125,000 pounds was used to pay the army. (Ali, 2001)

When Mustafa Kamal dislodged Greek forces from Turkish territories in

1921, he was highly applauded by the leaders of the All India Muslim
League and they passed a resolution in this regard in the December. He
emancipated the Turkish areas completely from the European control in
1922 and declared Turkey as an independent Republic and became the
president of Modern Turkey in the same year until his death in
November 1938. He tried to bring revolutionary changes in the Modern
Turkey. He instituted new education system and introduced many
reforms in all fields and departments of life to bring his country at par
with the Modern Europe. He encouraged and promoted the modern
European life style in Turkey. During his political career Quaid, I Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah minutely observed the developments in the
Muslim world especially in the modern Turkey of the ancient Ottoman
Empire. Quaid e Azam eulogized the services of Mustafa Kamal in these
words, ‘He was the greatest leader of the modern Islamic World and
entire Muslim Ummah will profoundly mourn his death.’

In December 1938, during his presidential address in the 27th session of

All India Muslim League at Patna, Muhammad Ali Jinnah paid his
heartiest homage to this charismatic leader of Turkey in these words,
‘Another great figure; a world figure, who passed away is Mustafa
Kamal Ataturk. His death has come as the great blow to the Muslim
world. He was the foremost figure in the Muslim East’ (Haq, 2010).

1.2 Pakistan-Turkey Relations after Partition

The year 1947 is to be known as very crucial period in the history of the
world, on one hand the old order started crumbling with the partition of
Europe in two separate spheres. On other side when Sub Continent was
divided in two independent states of Pakistan and India on ideological
grounds. The most desired dream of the Indian Muslims transformed
into reality and they were now in possession of their separate homeland
Pakistan; the land of pure people which was the bearer of the ancient
civilization and culture; it appeared on the world map. After partition
Pakistan thought of its establishing diplomatic relations with foreign
countries, one of them was the foremost lands to which its thoughts
turned was Turkey. The Muslims of the Subcontinent learnt great
lessons and inspiration during their fight for independence from their
Turkish brethren. The crucial years of Khilafat Movement from 1919 to
1922 played a very pivotal role in the Pakistan Movement as this
Khilafat Movement was the first great movement run by the Indian
Muslims on a large scale. They not only stood in support of their
Turkish brethren but proved themselves as a remarkable aspect in the
land mark history of Turkish Emperor.

Malik Firoze Khan Noon, on special instructions of Quaid-I-Azam

Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Turkey on 12 December 1947 and stated,
‘Pakistan admires the glorious past of Turkey, and its administrative
achievements and organizational abilities in the past and present times.
Pakistan is now two months old, and in the near future the two brotherly
countries are going to establish close cultural, commercial and political
relations. A new happy era will emerge for these two countries’ (Malik,
1980).

M.A Jinnah, at the time of the appointment of first Turkish ambassador

in Pakistan on 4th of March 1948 stated that: ‘Turkey has drawn our
admiration for the valor of Turkish people and the way in which your
statesman and the leaders have struggled and fought almost single-
handed in the midst of Europe for your freedom and sovereignty which
is worth mentioning, ‘I really can assure your excellence that the
Muslims of Pakistan will entertain sentiments of affection and esteem
for your country and now Turkey and Pakistan both as free, sovereign
and independent countries can strengthen their ties more and more for
the good of both’.

He also hoped and said that being Muslim Countries people of both of
these countries will put their genuine backing and team work to establish
closer political and cultural ties among these states and thus contribute
their share in the welfare and betterment of the subject of these two
brotherly states. (Zafar, 1978).

After few years the Western powers anxiously wanted to link the
defense of West Europe of the Middle East formed the establishment of
the Middle East Defense Organization in March 1953. At that time the
Egyptian leadership under Nasser stoutly opposed the above-mentioned
Middle East Defense organization and no Arab country, except for Iraq,
Turkey and Pakistan was found to be enthusiastic. The proposal
therefore fell through and Western strategies began to concentrate on the
‘northern tier’, comprising (Ali, 2001).

Joint Communique 1954

On 19 Feburary1954 in a Joint Communique??` issued together in

Karachi and Ankara; it was declared that Turkey and Pakistan were
agreed to adopt the mechanisms of closer cooperation in the political,
economic and cultural departments, and they will also put their sincere
efforts to develop peace and security between each other not only in
their own interest but also in the interest of all peace loving nations.
(Burke, 1973)

That contents of that Turku-Pakistan communique?? of February 1954

developed into concrete shape in an agreement signed on April 2, 1954.
According to that agreement’s Article IV which dealt co-operation in
defense, and statement shows that a switch of information regarding
technical grounds will be made and endeavors will be done to fulfill the
requirements for the ample supply of arms and ammunition in case of
unjustified attacks under Article 51 of the charter of United Nations.
(Hussain, 2008).

Baghdad Pact

Turkey and Iraq laid the foundation of the Baghdad Pact, signing a Pct
of Mutual Cooperation for ‘security and defense’ in February 1955 in
the Iraqi capital. It was not an auspicious start. In the first place, Turkey
was unpopular in the Arab world for having recognized Israel. Secondly,
Egypt, which was considered by Britain as the key to a defense
arrangement in the Middle East, denounced the Baghdad Pact.
On receiving an invitation from Turkey and Iraq to join, Pakistan was
not enthusiastic. Disappointed with the amount of US aid, Pakistan was
no longer keen to undertake further military commitments in Middle
East. In June, Ayyub Khan was invited to Turkey. Prime Minister Nuri
said of Iraq was also there. He and Adnan Menderes succeeded in
convincing Ayyub about the advantages of joining the pact. On 23
September 1955, Pakistan signed the Pact of Mutual Cooperation in
Baghdad, in it the other regional members included Iran, Iraq and
Turkey. Britain also joined it but the United States did not become a full
member.

The Baghdad Pact provided a good line of cooperation regarding the

security and defense of the members. This line was adopted to counter
the Russian policy of expansion southwards in the direction of the
Caspian and the Black Sea, and into Central Asia (Sattar, 2007).

On 15 July 1956, President Iskandar Mirza visited Ankara (Turkey).

Both leaders Pakistan and Turkey discussed various issues about
economy and bilateral trade. After those meetings joint communique
was issued regarding this visit that Pakistan and Turkey will exchange
solemn assurance, Turkey would support Pakistan in the settlement of
disputes with India and Afghanistan, and Pakistan would support Turkey
over the Cyprus issue. (Ali, 2001)

Emergence of CENTO

In July 1958 in Iraq a new government took the charge and new
government made the new policy about his country. The New
government of Iraq’s leader who was come through a revolution
immediately denounced the Baghdad pact and Iraq ceased to be a
member. The July 1958 meeting of Baghdad pact council which was
held in London agreed that another defense organization should take the
place of the defunct Baghdad pact. The new organization came to be
known as Central Treaty Organization or CENTO in 1959 (Sattar,
2007).
The President of Turkey, Ceral Bayar visited Pakistan’s Capital Karachi
on 22 September 1958 and talked about diplomatic relations with the
President Iskandar Mirza. At that time Turkish President suggested for
the formation of a confederation between Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan
and Iran. Shah of Iran welcomed the idea of a confederation on 28th of
September 1958 and stated that ‘It’s a good idea and we are ready to
form it’, but this good idea of Turkish President could not be concretized
because Afghanistan adopted the policy of neutrality on the topic of
Confederation. Therefore, this visit of the Turkish President was
officially declared as a courtesy visit. Pakistani president Iskandar Mirza
also opposed the idea of formation of confederation in the National
Assembly of Pakistan (Ali, 2001).

President Ayyub Khan visited Ankara (Turkey) in November 1959.

During his talks with Turkish President, Ayyub Khan discussed the
events with the head of the State about the essential importance of the
CENTO for the security and strength not only for the partners but also
for regions far beyond the frontiers of three countries. That need was
keenly felt for concerting more effective military measures. With Iraq
out of the picture, there was an increase in the alliance’s unity and Iran,
Turkey and Pakistan felt Brotherly regrets over Afghanistan’s
unwillingness to join the alliance (The Dawn 9 November 1959).

Pakistan, Iran and Turkey started work on the construction of the

Ankara, Tehran, Karachi radio micro-wave link January 1960 in order to
interlink these three nations by a rapid communication system. At that
time US as a member of bilateral agreement of 1959 with Turkey
Pakistan and Iran sanctioned $1,837,000 to gear up a project engineering
and equipment by CENTO. Meanwhile spectacular political changes
took place in Turkey. On the other side in Turkey the pro-American
Government of Adana Menderes was overthrown in May1960, in a coup
d’??tat and General Gursel took over power. Though Pakistani
newspapers and political leaders expressed concern over the fate of the
ousted leader, the Pakistani Government recognized the new
Government on 30 May 1960 in the same year (Ahmad, 1981).
Turkey’s stance over Kashmir Issue

In the early sixties, the Turkish leaders and their public opinion showed
keen appreciations of Pakistan’s point of view in regard to the Kashmir
dispute. For instance, in February 1962, the Yeni Istanbul, a widely
circulating daily of Turkey, in article of that newspaper, supported
Pakistan’s right stand’ on Kashmir issue and stated that Kashmir
possessed the same powerful weapon of nationalism which Mr. Nehru
had used while occupying Goa. It added that if the world considered the
occupation of Goa normal and supported India in this case, on the plea
of nationalism, the Indian Premier should have accepted Pakistan’s right
over Kashmir and acted with greater understanding (Ali, 2001).

At the time of Sino-Indian border war in 1962, Turkey had postponed a

decision on an offer of arms to India following a vigorous protest by
Pakistan. According to the Time of London (5 November 1962) Turkey
had agreed, that to provide some fairly old mountain howitzers to India
for use against the Chinese invasion. An aircraft containing the first
consignment of Turkish arms for India was already waiting at Ankara
airport when the Pakistani ambassador to Turkey conveyed his
government’s protest to the Turkish Foreign Minister (Ahmad, 1981).

In October 1966, The Turkish Foreign Minister made an impassioned

plea before the UN General Assembly for an early solution of the
Kashmir problem in the light of the Security Council resolutions (Ali,
2001).

In February 1999 Lahore Peace Process started between Pakistan and

India, the then Turkish Government supported the Peace Process and
their Foreign Ministry declared this peace process as the most
appropriate ground to solve the major disputes between Pakistan and
India. (Sheikh, 2004).

Pakistan Support over Cyprus Issue

In 1954 and in 1957, Pakistan supported the cause of Turkish Cypriots in
the UN General Assembly and urged the world body to fulfill the
legitimate aspiration of the Turkish Cypriots. In 1959 the Pakistan
delegation at the UN urged the world body for the fulfillment of the
human rights and the legitimate aspirations of the Turkish Cypriots.
Cypriots achieved independence in 1960, under the Treaty of Zurich,
signed by the Turkey, Greece and the UK. The constitution provided the
Turkish minorities with broad rights in communal affairs and absolute
veto on important governmental matters.

When proposed certain constitutional changes by the President of

Cyprus troubled the situation of the Turkish community’s guaranteed
rights and the issue was again referred to the UN Security Council.
Pakistan showed here full support of the Turkish government in United
Nations in 1963 when Pakistani Foreign Minister Mr. Zulfiqar Ali
Bhutto attended a session in UN General assembly and in his address, he
showed the full commitment and concern of the Pakistan government
and her people for their Turkish brethren. He showed hope to maintained
that agreements settled the problem of Cyprus must be respected as
international commitments and assured that Pakistan will extend full
cooperation to Turkey in her moment of crises.

In July 1964, President Ayyub khan visited turkey. The Pakistani

President disclosed later that during his meeting with Turkish leaders,
they had expressed grave concern over the Cyprus situation. Therefore,
he had promised to convey the Turkish concern to the forthcoming
Commonwealth Prime Ministers Conference in London.

On the other side the Turkish Government expressed her hearty

appreciation of stance of the Pakistani government on the Cyprus issue.
Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Suleman Demiral expressed his gratitude
for Pakistan’s stand on Cyprus problem in his visit to Pakistan in April
1967.
The communal situation again deteriorated in July 1974. The then
Pakistan Prime Minister appealed to the people of Pakistan to
demonstrate their sympathy and support for Turkey and again Pakistan
supported Turkish stance at UN General Assembly debate on the Cyprus
question in November 1974 and November 1976 too. President Zia UL
Haq visited Turkey in November 1977, Prime Minister Demirel and
President Zia exchanged views on mutual interests and development of
cooperation, Premier Demirel thanked Pakistan for its sincere interest in
and keen understanding of the Cyprus question. (Ali, 2001)

Meanwhile the western Media, noted that there was a new ‘line-up’
between Turkey, Iran and Pakistan outside the framework of CENTO.
As one British newspaper commented: ‘It is also significant, in the light
of recent anti-western feelings in Turkey over Cyprus, that Turkey
should be taking part in talks with Iran and Pakistan, which have in
recent years adopted a more flexible policy towards the Soviet Union
and China (Ali, 2001).

In 1974 During the Cyprus Crises the Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali
Bhutto appealed the Pakistani’s to help Turkey during the conflict, the
statement said, ‘Our hearts go out to the people of Turkey at this crucial
hour in their history. This is not the first time that the people of Pakistan
have been intimately concerned with the experience of paternal Turkish
Nation. The memories of that upsurge of sympathy which Muslim India
at time of Turkish War of independence after The First World War is
fresh and imperishable’ (Hasan, 2002).

Turkish stance over India-Pakistan Wars

The outbreak of Indo-Pak war on 6 September 1965 constituted a major

test of the friendship of Pakistan’s regional allies. The Turkish Premier,
Mr. Urugplu said that the Turkish government hoped that efforts by UN
Secretary General U Thant to achieve a ceasefire would prove
successful. He also said that India had aggravated the crises by taking
the conflict beyond Kashmir into Pakistan and by bombing Pakistani
Towns. He further observed: ‘The dangerous crisis which has been
developing recently between the two countries is a direct result of the
failure in finding a just solution to the Kashmir Problems.’ On 10
September 1965, Turkey and Iran in a joint statement called for an
immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Indian forces from Pakistani
territory. The communique?? concluded: ‘the Governments of turkey
and Iran reaffirmed the solidarity which links Turkey-Iran and Pakistan,
and declared that they are ready to support Pakistan as a brother country
and an ally (Ali, 2001).

The Turkish Premier announced that Turkey would send five million
dollars’ worth of Turkish made arms and ammunition to Pakistan under
the terms of an existing trade agreement. Though Turkey could not
respond to favorably to Pakistan’s appeal for Jet aircraft , presumably
because the US would have objected to the transfer of material which
she had given , Turkey decided to ‘use all national possibilities , to aid
Pakistan with guns and ammunition. Large numbers of Turks
volunteered to fight against India and a number of Nurses flew to
Pakistan and served there (Burke, 1973).

Pakistan was deeply touched by the Turkey’s sympathetic attitude and

President Ayub visited Turkey in December 1965 and met president
Cemal Gursal. He expressed his deep gratiture to the Turkish President
Gursal for the moral and material support of Turkish government
provided to Pakistan during Indo-Pak war of 1965 and he also briefed
him regarding the latest Indo-Pak situation. Turkey’s support for
Pakistan’s efforts to seek a Kashmir solution continued to be expressed
after the war ended and in all subsequent visits exchanged between the
heads of state of the two countries, turkey reiterated its steadfast support
to Pakistan on the Kashmir question. In October 1966, The Turkish
Foreign Minister made an impassioned plea before the UN General
Assembly for an early solution of the Kashmir problem in the light of
the Security Council resolutions.
When the Indo-Pakistan war began in December 1971, the Turkish
Premier, Nihat Erim, called for the immediate withdrawal of Indian
troops. In June 1972, the President of Pakistan, Mr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,
paid a visit to Turkey. In a joint statement issued after his talks with the
Turkish President Cevdet Sunay, the two leaders expressed the hope that
the planned summit between the Pakistani President and the Indian
Premier would lead a durable and honorable settlement of dispute
between their two countries. On 4 October 1972, the Turkish Foreign
Minister, in a speech before the UN General Assembly, made a strong
plea for the release of Pakistani prisoners of war in India since
December 1971 (Ali, 2001).

Chapter 2: Pakistan-Turkey Relations in Economic, Trade and

Investment Sectors (1947-1979)

In the mid-fifties, Pakistan made a small volume of trade with the

Baghdad pact countries and with some other Middle Eastern countries,
such as Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain. After that in the
late fifties, between the Baghdad Pact countries, Iran’s trade with
Pakistan was the largest of all, with Iraq and Turkey occupying the
second and third respectively.
Visit of Turkish Trade Team in Pakistan 1959

However, by the beginning of the sixties, Pakistan and Turkey began

searching for avenues of expanding trade. A Turkish trade team visited
Karachi in October 1959 and in a joint communiqu?? announced that
there were ‘possibilities of development of trade’ between Pakistan and
Turkey and further official meetings were expected to take place in near
future ‘for achieving some positive results’ in this respect. At that time
the Pakistan commerce Minister noted with regret at a press conference
in Istanbul on 15 October 1959, trade between two countries was
negligible with a balance of about two million rupees in favor of
Pakistan (Ali, 2001).

Facts behind Formation of RCD

The three countries Iran, Pakistan and Turkey may be regarded as
belonging to distant cultural area. They are non Arab and the Turko-
Persian culture dominates the lives of the people. Thus besides Islam
they have many common bond between them. They have been united
under the Ottoman Empire and had common political thinkers,
historians, writers and poets. All the three states were the members of
CENTO and their policies were pro-west. If we analyze their economic
needs in the early sixties, all three were moving towards industrialization
and modernization. Their economic needs and goals were similar in the
beginning of sixties. They disenchanted with the west and began to
looking for new avenues. Turkey was not happy over the issue of
Turkish Cypriots. In Iran there was in evidence a trend towards national
assertion, and country had sought to lessen its embroilment in the Russo-
American conflict. Iran on account of cut in economic assistance too,
and Pakistan was disenchanted because of flow of US arms to India after
Sino-India border conflict (Hasan, 1964).

Creation of RCD

The idea about the formation of RCD between three Muslim members of
CENTO (Pakistan, Iran and Turkey) was first discussed in April 1964 in
Washington. They decided to forge a new partnership without CENTO
when they three countries were gone to attend the CENTO Council
meeting. A joint statement by the three heads of States issued on 22 July
1964 in Ankara, named the new organization ‘Regional Co-Operation
for Development’ and resolved that appropriate means should be
adopted to set up co-operation ‘in all fields ‘in a spirit of ‘regional co-
operation.’ It was decided to create three Ministerial Councils composed
of Foreign Ministers and a Regional Planning Committee which will be
consisted of the heads of these tri-national planning organizations a
permanent Secretariat was later established at Tehran. A few months
later president Cevdet Sunay said that Turku-Pakistani relations had
reached a level for above that of alliances (Burke, 1973).
The Secretariat was established in Tehran. The first Secretary General of
RCD was an Iranian Dr Fuad Rouhani. It has often argued that the RCD
was a result of disillusionment of three states with CENTO, through it is
also considered by some to be the most satisfying and potentially the
most faithful, partnership which Pakistan has so far forged with the
Muslims countries. (Ziring, 1990)
Tehran Meeting of RCD October 1964

During the meeting of Ministerial Council of RCD held in Tehran in

October 1964 it was decided that the charges for telephone calls between
the countries of the region be substantially reduced. As a good step
towards promoting cooperation among the three states Iran, Turkey and
Pakistan that were signed as an agreement on 16 October for abolition of
visas amongst them (Ali, 2001).
The RCD initiated to speech itself to the possibility of some very
ambitious projects. In October 1964 Ministerial Council of the RCD
meeting which was arranged in Tehran called for the preparation of a
preliminary report on the setting up of a joint airline. That project was
tracked for a long time but it proved a non-starter. At the same time
another RCD project related to the formation of a conference
arrangement between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey for pooling their traffic
and ships on specific and agreed routes as a first phase towards the
establishing of a joint maritime line (Ali, 2001).

Develop of the RCD Joint Shipping Lines March 1965

Few months later on March 15, 1965, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan agreed
to develop the RCD joint shipping lines. That meeting was organized in
Istanbul which attended by the representatives of all of these three
countries. An agreement was sanctioned; as per that accord Pakistan will
provide 50%, Iran 35% and Turkey 15% shares for the said shipping
lines which were decided to be made operational within a short span of a
year. (Dawn 16 March 1965).
In 1965 both countries Pakistan and Turkey started a program for
technical education. Under that program 122 fellowships and
scholarships were awarded and 11 experts were exchanged others this
six seminars were conducted and five publications were published
between two countries. In March 1965 a joint airline project was
formerly conceived by the Regional Planning Council and it was
decided that not long afterwards the RCD committee on air transport
began to establish regular air links and the first RCD flight of Pakistan
International Airline (PIA) linking Karachi with Tehran and Istanbul
started on November 1966 (Ali, 2001).

The RCD shipping services started working on international routes in

May 1966 and it directly linked Pakistan and Turkey via sea route and
made an everlasting impact on regional trade. On the other side Iran
airlines tracked this up by starting a jet service to Europe via Istanbul
(Ali, 2001).
On July 1967 an RCD joint venture for printing bank notes which was
inaugurated in Karachi (Pakistan). That was the first industrial project in
which all three RCD countries obligated collaborated. That new factory
was subsidized by the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation. This
agreement was based on the RCD union for multilateral payments
arrangements which was signed in Ankara in April 1967. It was
interesting to note that this was a key step toward the expansion of intra-
regional trade .The RCD insurance center was established in Karachi to
promote a study of measures which could facilitate cooperation in this
field. That center published the RCD Insurance Manual in 1967. The
three RCD insurance pools functioned effectively and several national
companies joined the pools.

Z.A Bhutto’s vision about RCD

During 1967 at that time Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mr. Z.A Bhutto
pursued to strengthen the cooperation between Pakistan, Iran and turkey
through RCD. Bhutto wanted at least one trilateral agreement with
Turkey and Iran to have a stronger impact on Pakistan’s security needs.
He explicitly called for a ‘new dimension’ to be added that the RCD
chapter, because ‘economic collaboration without political and security
arrangements is fantasy’. Bhutto attended the RCD summit at Izmir on
April 21-22, 1967 and asked for the ‘Systematic consolidation of joint
efforts would be to defend our civilization against all challenges on
economic, political, ideological or military grounds’. Bhutto’s vision of
revived and relevant RCD did not materialize (Mahdi, 1999).

During 1966-67 at that time East Pakistan was still a part of Pakistan,
Jute manufacture formed about 85% of Pakistan export to Turkey. It was
said the remaining 15% covered such items as henna powder, new hides,
pressure lamps and glycerin (Hasan, 2002).

On October 31, 1967 President Ayub Khan of Pakistan visited Turkey,

the joint communiqu?? issued, after the visit stated: ‘The two sides noted
with satisfaction the growing relations between Pakistan and Turkey in
all directions. Both countries were also agreed on a conclusion that
measures should be taken to enlarge these relations especially in the
economics and cultural fields. With the passage of time both countries
further agreed that with a view to promoting trade relations between the
two countries, and for this it was noted by the observers that commerce
delegations should exchange visits’ (Hasan, 2002).

On April 15, 1968, in the 8th meeting of the Council of Ministers, held
in Tehran all of these three countries agreed to sense of satisfaction
among the council members that the RCD rail link between Iran and
Turkey was progressing according to the schedule and the train service
between the Quetta and Zahidan had been resumed with effect from
November 16, 1967 (Hassan, 2002).
At the same time Governments’ efforts to promote intra-regional trade
improved unequal to the task of overcoming the tough obstacle that
discouraged trade expansion. For instance in 1969 the percentage of
goods exchanged among Iran, Pakistan and Turkey stood at the level of
1, 1 .9 and 0.5 percent respectively of their total trade. Thus about 99
percent of the region’s foreign trade was still conducted with the rest of
the world. It was partly to expand their potential and diversify the
exchanges that the RCD Regional Planning Council decided to set up
joint purpose industries. Until 1969, fifty-five joint purpose enterprises
had been either established or approved in principle (Ali, 2001).

Pakistan-Turkey Balance of Trade

Year Imports Exports Balance

In Million Rs.

1959-60 15.7 0.4 -15.3

1960-61 0.1 0.1 –
1961-62 0.2 0.1 -0.1
1962-63 0.1 0.2 +0.1
1963-64 1.0 0.3 -0.7
1964-65 4.2 0.2 -4.0
1965-66 0.7 0.6 -0.1
1966-67 8.2 0.8 -7.4
1967-68 0.7 1.1 -0.5
1968-69 1.4 0.5 -0.9
1969-70 1.0 1.6 +0.6
1970-71 2.3 1.5 0.8
1971-72 9.4 1.2 -8.2
1972-73 54.8 1.4 -53.4
1973-74 20.3 3.2 -17.1
1974-75 21.0 6.1 -14.9
1975-76 16.3 83.6 +67.3
1977-78 57.3 243.9 +186.6
1978-79 71.1 158.6 +87.5

On

Pakistan Economic Survey, 1978-79,

Govt. of Pakistan , Finance Division, Economic Advisors Wing,
Islamabad, p.113.

November 27-28, 1969, the Council for Ministers in Tehran stated

satisfaction on the progress of cultural and economic cooperation
between Turkey, Pakistan and Iran. The encouraging successes of RCD
were also observable in fields of chemicals and petrochemical industries.
Progress was also made in the field of joint exploration of oil. In 1970,
at Izmir, at the RCD summit conference, the member countries noted
that the RCD provides a useful permanence of great potential for
promoting socio-economic development among these three countries.
All member nations were directed to take operational steps towards the
reduction of quantifiable restrictions and other tariff obstacles to trade.
The avoidance of double taxation was also discussed. The countries
agreed to cooperate in a joint petroleum operation between Iran and
Pakistan and the Ahraz Iskenderun pipeline project. The Turkish and
Iranian Government were asked to pursue projects and take suitable
steps (Hassan, 2002).

In the start of seventies it was noted that Pakistan’s exports to Turkey

which mainly consisted jute and its products, received setback after the
eastern province abandoned from Pakistan in 1971.
Establishment of Pakistan-Turkish Joint Commission for Economic and
Technical Cooperation-November 1975

The need to institutionalize Pakistan-Turkish trade was fulfilled with the

establishment of a Pakistan-Turkish Joint Commission for Economic
and Technical Cooperation in November 1975. Consequently Pakistan
and Turkey made sincere efforts to raise the joint cooperation in the
fields of trade, agriculture, industry, science and technology. After the
signing of agreement on economic and technical cooperation. The
Turkish Foreign Minister Ihsan Sabir Cagnalaygil said, ‘Cooperation
between the two countries in the economic and technical fields already
occurs under RCD which Pakistan’s neighbor Iran also joins. That
arrangement pursues to reinforce and expand the cooperation within a
bilateral frame work’. It covers a wide range of economic activities, joint
projects in fields of agriculture, industry, commerce and transportation,
beside development of technical cooperation imagining provisions, on a
reciprocal basis, of experts, documentation and technical training.
Indeed it opens wholly new vista of cooperation between two countries,
the potential of which will grow and increase in quality and range as
economic development of both countries profits (Hasan, 2002).

RCD Ministerial Council meeting held in Pakistan in January 1976 the

three member states resolved to take measures to strengthen and
revitalize the RCD. This clearly reflected an awareness that the
organization had not been able to achieve all that it set out to achieve. At
the Izmir RCD Summit held in April 1976, the then Pakistani Premier
emphasized the importance of removing all obstacles between the intra-
regional trade of these two nations to establish a free trade area. The
Izmir Treaty was signed in March 1977 by RCD member nations, which
paved the way for the foundation of RCD investment and development
bank to initiate, promote and finance projects of a regional importance
(Ali, 2001).

As a member of RCD Pakistan and Turkey made a good progress like

various roads for enlarged Pakistan-Turkish trade were explored, it was
originate that Turkish traders were interested in importing from
Pakistani items that like surgical instruments, caustic soda, glycerin,
castor oil, and products of stainless steel. On the other side Pakistani
Importers were keen to buy chemicals and textiles auxiliaries among
other goods from Turkey. At the session of the Pakistan-Turkish Joint
Commission for Economic and Technical Cooperation which was held
in Islamabad (Pakistan) in March 1977, the two governments Pakistan
and Turkey obligated to identify a number of areas of cooperation,
counting agriculture and food. That interest was shown at the time of
launching joint ventures in the fields of commerce, industry and
transportation.
Thus both countries once again come nearer to each other on 28 March
1977 when they signed a protocol in Islamabad on provided that for
enhancing cooperation in agriculture, industry, trade and technical
spheres. At the same time joint Commission favored to enhance the
trade size, imagining frequent exchange of trade allocations, and agreed
in principle, on joint participation in appropriate international fairs. On
the other side in the fields of Agriculture, Turkey agreed to supply
technical aid to Pakistan in the production, cultivation and marketing of
olives, development of rain-fed agriculture, sunflower cultivation, and
the production of quality cotton seeds. At that time Pakistan Turkey
friendship was highly appreciated by the peoples of both countries (Ali,
2002).

On 16 January 1978 both countries further come nearer to Closer

cooperation in aviation was the theme of a meeting of the representatives
of the three national airlines at Tehran. The three countries (Iran,
Pakistan and Turkey) airlines decided to take necessary steps for
increasing their inter-lines cargo business on both inter-regional and
international routes. On the second side the national airlines also decided
to give 50 percent discount to students of the three member countries
travelling within the region. This cooperation was seen to be vitally
important for promoting free movement of goods and people within the
region (Ali, 2001).

Thus in May 1978 both countries Turkey and Pakistan in the next
meeting of the Joint Commission which were held in Ankara (Turkey) ,
it was noted that an increase of items in trade had taken place during the
last financial year. That increase was accounted for by the addition of a
wholly new item of Pakistan which were based in import like fuel, oil,
and a virtual doubling of the export of Pakistani rice to Turkey, during
the year. That rising trend however, could not be continued. The total
size of trade which proclaimed to Rs 301 million in 1977-78 came down
to Rs 242 million in 1977-78.Pakistani exports to Turkey had pointed off
from Rs 244 million in 1977-78 to Rs 160 million in 1978-79 (The
Pakistan Times 24 December 1979).
Chapter 3: Pakistan-Turkey Cooperation in Economic, Trade and
Investment Sectors (1980-1999)

In 1980 Turkish President Evrin confirmed his determination for further

strengthening and expanding the cooperation between the two countries
and both sides communicated fulfillment over joint ventures in different
field, such as communications, electronics, auto motives, engineering
and pharmaceuticals. Though there was a realization that the full
potential of bilateral trade had not been exploited. Latterly the Turkish
President Turgul Ozal thrown Turkey on the road to economic
liberalization and Turkey’s industry went through a rapid phase of
modification. At the same time in January 1980 Turkey approved a
comprehensive economic adjustment program relying heavily on market
concerned with solutions. Turkish late President Turgul Ozal had called
for more tariff concession on selected terms to promote trade and
commerce between Turkey and Pakistan. Turkish President Turgul Ozal
in an interview with the Gulf Economist obligated and also strained the
need for providing an infrastructure for communication and transport
facilities between the two countries. The late president Ozal remarked, ‘I
feel that action should be taken on the proposal, for trade and tariff
concessions on selected items’. At that time such proposals were earlier
considered under RCD, Whereas RCD being given a new name, the
process of strengthening the economic and trade ties should continue
uninterrupted (The Pakistan Times 14 April, 1985)
During 1980’s total volume was an indication that through was existed
between the two countries; the two governments failed to make use of it.
Secondly businessmen on both sides failed to increase the level of trade.
Though the volume of trade showed little improvement in 80’s Turkey
and Pakistan cooperated in the fields of banking and insurance,
transport, communication, tourism and agriculture. The main imports
from Turkey have been grams and other pulses, some other food items
and manufactured goods. The trade between Pakistan and Turkey was
mostly done by air, which was very expensive for both countries (Hasan,
2002).
In1981 Ministerial Joint Commission noted that to remedy inadequacy
of shipping services for increasing trade between the two countries,
efforts would be made to explore the possibilities among others, of
trans-shipment of goods through Gulf ports. At that time the experts
decided to meet and to study the matter. During Nineteen hundred
eighties, the items of export from Pakistan included rice, iron steel, billet
stainless steel sheet, cotton yarn, grey, cloth, surgical instruments, jute
yarn, basin cloth and jut looms. Turkey offered Pakistan a 50 million
dollars short term revolving credit facility for increasing the size of trade
between the two countries. A separate protocol was endorsed between
the State Bank of Pakistan and the Central Bank of Turkey finalizing
banking arrangements related to the revolving credit (Hassan, 2002).
In the start of eighties (1981) Pakistan began to strain fact that the
Muslim countries must strengthen their trade relations with each other,
so that their economies could growth, the curse of poverty be excluded
and they become less dependent on the West. That time of thoughtful
owing to the various factors. The Iranian revolution ensured taken the
world by storm. It needed crushed the myth that Western help is
essential component for progress. Instead the people of the Muslim
world had become influenced that great deeds could be realized through
the motivation of masses. Islamic revolution needed enthralled the
Muslim countries and they were more eager than before to forge strong
ties with the brethren.
At the same time a procedure for greater economic and technical
cooperation was signed between Turkey and Pakistan on November 12,
1981. Thus both sides Pakistan and Turkey noted that the size of trade
was motionless low and therefore identified the constraints, inadequate
shipping and telecommunications links and lack of contacts between
businessmen. It was also noted between the steps taken to recompense
the situation was, Ankara’s restitution of rice agreement with Pakistan
and its offers was that to five lac (half million) tons of cement for sale to
Pakistan. Turkey was also allowed the opening of a Pakistan bank in
Turkey (Hasan, 2002).
Joint Venture in the Field of Engineering November 1982
In November 1982, a joint venture was set up in the field of engineering
consultancy. Formal negotiations were conducted between NESPAK
and the Turkish company TUMAS. The governments of two countries
examined the possibilities of establishing the joint ventures in
appropriate sectors such as manufacture of tractors, automotive
components and electronic equipments. The two countries also agreed
on increasing cooperation in advanced information systems and also on
joint engineering consultancy services (Hasan, 2002).
President General Zia-ul ‘Haq visit to Turkey 1983
President General Zia-ul-Haq visited Turkey in 1983. Both governments
(Pakistan & Turkey) decided that the joint commission which meets
once a year should endeavor to support the economic ties between the
two countries and continue to diversifying and expanding cooperation
between Pakistan and Turkey. Both countries leaders after the
discussions made joint communiqu?? and stressed the ‘important of the
need to improve communication for further strengthening economic ties
and noted the development in the field of air transport between the two
countries allowing the exercise of the fifth freedom and increasing the
airline construction between the major cities as well as the establishment
of a regular maritime cargo service between their seaports. Both
countries stated and remarked that meetings remained fulfillment with
the recent international subscribers dialing linkage and the reduction of
post and telegraph fees (Hasan, 2002).
Formation of ECO
ECO was a descendant organization of Regional Cooperation for
Development (RCD) that was established in 1964 between Turkey, Iran
and Pakistan. The main target of this organization was to extend the
economic development in the region by promoting intra-regional trade
ties. But unfortunately no practical economic enhancement took place in
the region; neither intra-regional trade nor harmonization of economic
policies was exercised between the member states in this rehabilitating
process of this organization. In late seventies important political
replacements took place in Iranian and Pakistani governments. The old
established monarchic rule of Shah of Iran was toppled through Islamic
revolution and in Pakistan martial law was imposed. Due to the
changing priorities and policies of the newly established governments in
1979; in both of these countries RCD did not played its vital role and
became a practically defunct organization (Ikram, 2008).
Basic document of the Treaty of Izmir was originally signed in 1977.
Seven new members, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, joined ECO in 1992.
This organization had little economic upshot before its expansion in
1992. The Treaty of Izmir introduced a few important yardsticks, such as
establishment of a trade and development bank and of an ECO
reinsurance company, but they are still unaccomplished tasks. A draft on
Preferential Tariffs was signed in May 1991, which was to be
implemented in May 1993.
The treaty included the following objectives of the organization:
.
‘ Sustainable economic development.
‘ Progressive removal of trade barriers & promotion of intra-regional
trade.
‘ Gradual integration of regional economies with the world.
‘ Development of transport & communication infrastructure.
‘ Economic liberalization and privatization.
‘ Mobilization of region’s energy, industrial and agricultural resources.
‘ Regional cooperation for controlling the international transportation of
drugs.
‘ Strengthening of historical & cultural ties (ECO at a Glance).

Potential of ECO Region

The ECO member states constitute a region, which is endowed with vast
potential in field of mineral, wealth and energy resources, both oil and
gas. The ECO region has also been known as for its huge natural
resources such as cotton, wheat, coal and hydroelectricity. To add up to
these are the great assets of human resources of more than hundred
million energetic people. Their territories are contiguous making
movement goods and services between each other relatively easy. The
Central Asian States have surplus energy resources. Iran floats on oil
and Turkey has a reasonable industrial base. Pakistan possesses well-
developed Argo based industries with the approach to the sea for
landlocked neighbors. It is also the shortest route for the exports of
Central Asian oil and gas to East Asia (Bokhari,1999).
The main goals of ECO are based on economic expansion; therefore the
major areas for this organization have been trade and infrastructure
improvement. The development of transport and communication
infrastructure is essential for promotion of trade; therefore this segment
of economy has always been given chief worth in the program of ECO’s
summits. Following progress was made in this regard. The first summit
was held in Tehran in February 16-17-1992. In that meeting the member
states agreed that the efforts would be made to continue the process of
elimination of long and short term barriers to trade and all subsides at
the earliest. At the end of the summit a joint communiqu?? was issued in
which the heads of state/government, considered the membership
request of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and
Kyrgyzstan and decided to admit them as members of ECO. The
members also agreed on the list of items to be traded on the preferential
tariffs among the ECO countries and a non-tariff barrier together with all
subsides on export (Bhatti, 1995).
in May 1992 the leaders of the Central Asian Republics, as well as the
original ECO members, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, assembled at
Ashkabad, on special initiative of President Saffer Murad Niyazov of
Turkmenistan in which in effect shaped into the first ‘working session’
of the expanded Economic Cooperation Organization. The participating
leaders declared their intension of joining forces to exploit their
resources and raw materials for the progress and well-being of all the all
member countries. That Summit considered a wide range of economic
and political issues relating to economic development, as well as peace
and stability. The most significant outcome of the Ashkabad summit was
an agreement to erect a new railroad connecting all the member states
and a project of gas pipeline and a highway. (Bhatti, 1995).
The third Ministerial conference of ECO at Quetta on 6 & 7 February
1993, proved to be singularly successful in every way. The choice of the
capital of Baluchistan for the moot proved to be a happy one: it served to
highlight the role that the province could play in the most crucial sphere
of cooperation, namely, transport and communications. The Quetta plan
of action was adopted by the Ministerial representatives. Setting the goal
of achieving its objectives by the year 2000, the ministerial council
adopted guidelines in seven specified areas of cooperation: Transport
and Communication, Trade, energy, Industry, Agriculture, Tourism, and
Human Resource Development. Trade within the region was too
expanded, and the council of ministers directed the Economic and
Commercial Committee to work towards the abolition of tariff and non-
tariff obstacles between the member countries, as also to examine the
possibility of expanding preferential tariff arrangements to include the
member countries. At that time it was noted that certain developments
during and after the Quetta meeting raised hopes of additional benefits to
the region through ECO (Bhatti, 1995).
The second ECO summit was organized in Istanbul on 6th &7th of July
1993 in which took many essential decisions to achieve the objectives
agreed on at Quetta. It approved the accord to establish the headquarters
of Economic Cooperation Organization shipping and airline companies
in Iran, ECO Reinsurance Company in Pakistan and the ECO trade and
development bank in Turkey (Bhatti, 1995).
An Overview of ECO key Economic and Trade Agreements
The key progress in the fields of economic and trade under the umbrella
of ECO is under:
ECO Reinsurance Company 1995
The three member countries i.e. Iran, Pakistan and Turkey agreed to set
up the ECO Reinsurance Company in March 1995 in Islamabad. The
aims of Company are at supplementing the obtainable reinsurance
services in the area, promoting the expansion of national capitalizing and
preservation abilities, minimizing the loss of foreign exchange from the
area and supporting economic progress among the member countries.
(ECO at a Glance).
Almaty Outline plan, 1997

This plan was an elaboration of the Quetta Plan which suggested the
interlink of road & Railway networks of Central Asian Republics
(CAR’s) with the linked roads & railways of Iran, Turkey and Pakistan.
It further looked for the construction of lost links of roads and railway
tracks. Another important goal of this plan was to unlock international
road transportation among member states(Bhatti, 1995).

ECOTA 2003
That ECO Trade Agreement was chalked out to institute free trade zone
in the region by 2015. It was determined to reduce the tariffs of the
goods traded from 80 % to 15 %. That accord at that time was not
endorsed by Iran due to her differences with Turkey over tariff issues
(ECO at a Glance)
ECO TDB 2007
The purpose of ECO Trade & Development Bank was to channelize
resources for embarking, enhancing and supplying financial facilities to
enlarge intra-regional trade and to offer experts counseling to member
countries in solving their fiscal issues. Operations of Bank started in
2008. In Tehran and Karachi representative offices of the Bank are
functional with best performance (ECO at a Glance)
ECO Freight Train Service 2009
A very significant venture was inaugurated between Pakistan, Iran and
Turkey in 2009. According to that Train’s route was planned from
Islamabad, Tehran and Istanbul. It’s further target was to connect
Pakistan with Europe via Turkey. At that time it was expected that the
railway routes can link ECO member states with Europe for this purpose
some missing links had to be up graded . Quetta-Taftan track & Kerman-
Zahidan track were very important of these tracks. (ECO at a Glance).
The ECO-IRU Silk Road Truck Caravan, 2010
That Caravan Silk Road started its journey from Islamabad in April 2010
and completed it on October 2010 in Istanbul after covering a long
distanced journey of 11,000 km. The caravan travelled through seven
countries of ECO including unstable region of Afghanistan.The purpose
of this journey was to gather information in order to facilitate road
transport in the area (IRU-ECO Truck Carvan).

Turkish President visit Pakistan November 1985

On November 14, 1985 President General Zia-Ul-Haq was invited to
Turkish President Kenen Evren to pay a state visit to Pakistan. During
his visit to Pakistan he stated: ‘Our countries has vast potential which
can lead to a more intensive economic collaboration, we both have the
necessary political will and determination for this purpose.’ On
November 15, 1985, the two countries signed an accord to avoid
implementation of double taxation between the two countries (Dawn
November 16, 1985).
During 1985, Islamabad (Pakistan) enhanced 40 different industrial
projects to be set up in Pakistan as joint ventures with Turkey. A trade
center was installed in Islamabad. Two joint ventures were a Sugar Mill
in Toba Tek Singh and a compressor factory at Faisalabad. Both
countries Pakistan and Turkey in order to improve their trade which was
running into difficulties because of none complimentarily of their
respective economies, agreed to set up a joint committee to make
recommendations (Hasan, 2002).
In 1987, the major achievement of the President General Zia Ul Haq’s
visit to Turkey was that the two countries got mutual understanding on
cooperation in defense production. By concentrating attention on
defense production, both countries took an important step forward
(Dawn 15 October, 1987).
The common prospective of Ankara and Islamabad bind them together,
impulses temporary incompatibilities and inconsistencies in then
relationship on side line. Turkish and the Pakistani governments tried to
induce their respective private sectors to increase bilateral trade. During
1989 the new Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto visited Ankara
and called for reinforcing further deep brotherly ties between Turkey
and Pakistan. It was appreciated that excellent political relations were
not reflected in their economic cooperation. It was also noted for
example that the significance of trade between them was far from
satisfactory and the balance had been unfavorable for Pakistan. The
deficit grew over the year. In 1983-84 their total trade amounted to
Rs.453 million with Pakistan’s deficit standing at 161 million. The two
countries also decided in 1989 to constitute committees of technical
experts to identify bottlenecks.
With the change of government in Pakistan, during Nawaz Sharif’s
premiership Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Minister for finance paid official visit to
Turkey in April 1991 and a meeting of Joint Commission for Economic
and Technical Cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey was held in
Ankara. Regarding trade relations both sides noted with satisfaction the
recent increase in volume of trade which had reached 130 million US
dollars in 1990. However the two sides again stressed that the level of
bilateral trade did not fully reflect the real potential of both countries.
The two sides therefore agreed to make concerted efforts to increase and
diversify bilateral trade to the maximum possible level on a balanced
and a beneficial basis (Hasan, 2002).
Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Suleyman Demirel visit to Pakistan 1992
In October 1992, Pakistan and Turkey decided to consider several
measures to bring their trade relations at par. Turkish Prime Minister Mr.
Suleyman Demirel visited Pakistan on October 24 & 26,1992 both
countries endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which
mutually consulted the most Favored Nation status in bilateral trade
relations. Both Governments also decided to encourage the participation
of the private sector. The Turkish Prime Minister announced that
antidumping duty imposed on Pakistan cotton yarn by Turkey would be
withdrawn from December 10, 1992. The two sides also reached at the
following decisions and agreements: They agreed to hold the ninth
session of Pakistan-Turkish Joint Ministerial Commission in February
1993. Having studied in detail commercial and economic cooperation
with special reference to trade relations, they recognized that that they
did not reflect the cordiality of their bilateral relations. Many hurdles
still remained which needed to be removed (Hasan, 2002).
Both of these countries also agreed to advice the Business Council to
intensify their activities. They were also agreed that there would be
periodic exchange of visits between businessmen of two countries. The
Turkish counterparts explained difficulties faced by the Turkish
exporters due to custom duty rates applied in Pakistan on Turkish goods.
The Turkish Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel appreciated the
comprehensive economic liberalization program which was launched by
Mr. Nawaz Shrif (Hassan, 2002).
Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel agreed that ‘The traditional Turkish-
Pakistan brotherhood is indeed our greatest asset that is deeply rooted in
the minds and hearts of our two people. What is left to our Governments
side is the duty to enhance the relations between our countries taking
stock of this solid foundation’ (Dawn 26 October, 1992).
In February1993, Pakistan and Turkey decided to growth their volume
of trade from $100 million to $200 million (for the year 1993). A
protocol signed by the two countries at conclusion of three days
conference of the ninth Pakistan-Turkey Joint Commission on Economic
and Technical Cooperation foresaw greater bilateral cooperation. That
protocol was also highlighted in cooperation between the scientific and
technical organization of the two countries. It was remarkable to note
that both countries decided that the Turkey would offer transit services
in communication equipment.
It was also decided in the same year 1993 to constitute a committee of
technical experts of both countries which would chalk out a detailed and
comprehensive plan with concrete proposals for the development and
progress of communication skills. In the same year Turkish government
lifted antidumping duty imposed on the imports on Pakistan Export of
cotton yarn required provided opportunities to other yarn exporting
countries i.e. India, China and Brazil to fill the gap. Pakistan exports
around two million kilos yarn to Turkey. The Pakistan’s Textiles sector
exporter appreciated the Turkish government’s decision to withdraw the
duty (Hasan, 2002).

Private Investment
In 1993, the Turkish highway construction company STFA was awarded
the contract by the Government of Pakistan. The Turkish private sector
needed successfully qualified to execute part of the prestigious Indus
Highway project. At that time the second major private Turkish
investment company was STFA (Sezai T??rke Fevzi Akkaya)
construction company, with a total capital commitment of $597 million.
Through 1998 five projects were accomplished, counting the $138
million Jinnah Naval Complex, the $100 million Lahore Bypass Project,
the $42 million Indus Highway Project, the $6 million Ormara Water
Supply Project and the $5 million Ormara Submarine Rebuild Project
(Ahmad, 2000).
On March 1993, the contract for the construction of the Islamabad-
Peshawar section of the Pakistan Motorway was awarded to Messieurs
Byinder Holding Construction of Turkey. The total length of Islamabad-
Peshawar Motorway was noted 189 km. Total estimate of that project
was targeted to be at Rs.16.5 million which would be completed on
partial financing basis with 60% GOP funding, 40% as a loan back by
the government of the Turkey (Ahmad, 2000).
In October 1994, a joint venture agreement was signed between Tutan
Bank which belongs to Yasar group (Turkey) which was one of the
largest business houses of Turkey and the Fidelity Investment bank of
Pakistan to set up a Universal Trading Bank with headquarter at Lahore.
It would have approved capital of 500 million rupees of which 100
million rupees would be subscribed by the Turkish side.
In March 1995, both countries signed two accords for the endorsement
and safeguard of investment and agricultural cooperation, the first
agreement would protect each other’s investment in respective countries,
while the second aimed at promoting scientific, technical, and economic
cooperation in the agricultural fields (Hasan, 2002).
Economic relations with Turkey came under strain, when Pakistan
cancelled the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway project, which was
awarded to a Turkish firm. Compensation to the Turkish firm was
discussed between the Turkish Prime Minister Demirel and Pakistani
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during third ECO summit in Islamabad.
(Ahmad, 2000)
In March 1995, a Turkish company won the bid for construction of the
Ghazi Brotha Dam. Turk sicmen has won the contract for the supply of
$30 million worth of cables to Pakistan Telecommunication
Corporation. Another Turkish group of companies must win a $30
million tender of WAPDA. Agro Auto of Pakistan and ECE Mason of
Turkey entered into a technical cooperation agreement to manufacture
motor bikes in Pakistan.
Ahmet Cavusoglu, chief Ankara Chamber of Commerce, told Dawn
newspapers, low volume of trade showed that their governments and
businessmen had failed to translate into concrete action the tremendous
goodwill that exists among the two people. In 1996, Turan Esen, the
leader of the visiting Turkish delegation said in his address to a special
meeting of National Highway Authority of Pakistan that Pakistan-
Turkish relations were time-tested and required to set an example of
friendly relations. He pointed out that the highways were highly
significant as regards to international trade traffic among ECO states.
This he said would help the economies of ECO member states to prosper
(Hassan, 2002).

President Demirel visit to Pakistan December 1997

President Demirel visited for second time in Pakistan within span of a
year, when he reached Pakistan on 18 and 19th of December 1997 for
the inauguration ceremony of Islamabad-Peshawar motorway. That
venture was awarded to a Turkish firm M/S Bayinder. The Turkish
President similarly witnessed the signing ceremony of Pehur High Level
Canal Project in Peshawar, which was sanctioned to another Turkish
company M/S STFA.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister visited Turkey from 6th to 9th of August
1997. The Foreign Minister with his Turkish counterpart Mr. Ismail
Cem discussed in details and met with Prime Minister Mesut yilmaz and
President Suleyman Demril. After one year Prime Minister Nawaz Shrif
also paid a visit ot Istanbul (Turkey) to participate in the First D-8
Summit which had to be started on 15 June, 1998 (Pakistan Foreign
Relations, 1997).
In April 1998, Turkish Foreign Minister Visited Islamabad and stated
that,’The trade volume of the two countries with the rest of the world is
some $100 billion, Unfortunately the annual trade between them is just $
150 million, which is very small as compared to their total world trade
figure and the very close political ties that the two countries enjoy’ (The
Nation April 3, 1998)
An Overview of Turkey Trade in 1990’s
In the decade of Nineteen hundred nineties the commercial tendencies
between these two brotherly states was on mounting tendency. The
exports from Pakistan to Turkey were increased from Rs. 1866 million
to Rs. 3162 million in the year 1990-91 to 1999-2000. Imports from
Turkey to Pakistan also enhanced from Rs. 1111 million to Rs. 5516
million during that period. It proved that during this decade export
between these two partner countries was on growing tendency with the
deficit balance was Rs. 4677 million. Turkey remained the major trade
partner of Pakistan in whole era. The major export items of Turkey to
Pakistan among others industrial goods (especially communications
material like cables, etc. chemicals and food stuff). Pakistani exports to
Turkey were consisted of cotton yarn and other textile products mainly.
It was also observed that level of commercial exchanges does not reveal
the real trade potential between two countries. Trade of Turkey with
Pakistan was very nominal, considering its 1996 level of trade volume
amounting to US $ 64 billion. Turkey produced much stuff that could be
appealing for the Pakistani markets. In this regards its worth mentioning
that goods, especially electronic appliances for home use like T.V. sets,
refrigerators, washing machines etc. which were exported by Turkey to
many European, Gulf and other countries. They are quality products
with normal prices. On the other hand, Turkish automobiles industry is
flourishing with eight prominent multinational companies manufacturing
more than 200,000 vehicles a year in the country (Sheikh, 2002).

Chapter 4: Pakistan-Turkey economic, trade and investment ties within

bilateral framework 1999-2014

During 1999, bilateral relations received a momentous increase when

President Musharraf became took the reign of Pakistan in October 1999.
He was a great admirer of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, the founder of
modern Turkey, whom he idealized as a model statesman. Exchange of
frequent visits by high-level authorities was the ample proof of the
growing relationships between these two countries. President General
Pervaiz Musharaf visited Turkey in November 1999. The purpose of this
visit by the President was to brief the Turkish leaders about the change
in the political scenario in Pakistan and improvement in bilateral
relations. Since then a number of high-level bilateral visits have taken
place. During the meeting in these visits a unanimous opinion was
developed on different regional and international issues was made.
(Hussain, 2008).
During 1999 General Parvez Musharaf was appreciated that the Turkish
companies’ participation in development of infrastructure and invited
Turkey to bring more investment in this field. The need to discover new
horizons and augment bilateral trade was also stressed. Incidentally,
Turkish investment in infrastructure projects in Pakistan amounted to
about US $ 1.6 billion, while the trade between two countries was
around $ 133 million (Pakistan Foreign Relations, 1998-99).

At that time the Turkish special Ambassador Candan Azer visited

Pakistan in February 2000 to communicate a message of Turkish
President to the Chief Executive of Pakistan. Turkish Minister of State
and Chairman Turkey-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission also
visited Pakistan from 10-14 April 2000. Further inaugurating Chashma
Right Bank Canal Project (awarded to a Turkish firm), he made depth
discussion with the Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce and
Communication. At the same time Pakistan-Turkey Military
Consultative Group hold on its 11th meeting at Rawalpindi in November
2000. A high-level Turkish delegation was participated in Pakistan
Military Hardware Exhibition, IDEAS 2000, held in Karachi in
November 2000 (Pakistan Foreign Relations, 2000).

On 16 December 2001, Turkish Foreign Minister, Ismael Cem visited

Pakistan on his way to Afghanistan. During his stay in Islamabad, he
entitled on the Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and seized discussions on
bilateral issues of mutual interests.

During the year 1999-2000 the trade status between Turkey and Pakistan
were to the tune of US $67 million only. Pakistan’s exported to Turkey
cotton yarn, cotton fabrics, synthetic fabrics, finished leather, sports
goods, toys, carpets, oil seeds, rice etc. The main items of import from
Turkey were machinery parts, and vegetables preparations, crude rubber,
synthetic fiber, aluminum and steel, transformers, etc. (Pakistan Foreign
Relations, 2001).
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan visit Pakistan June 2003
On 15 June 2003 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan on his three
days visit to Pakistan discussed enhancing the regional security and
trade and economic links. Mr. Erdogan met with his counterpart,
Zafarullah Khan Jamali, and President Musharraf. Turkey and Pakistan
are ideologically and politically similar so they need to strengthen their
economic ties as well. The progress of boosting trade between both
countries was also observed, that were stand at a meager $170 million in
a year. Turkish premier brought with him a team of more than one
hundred business personas in search of some new trade treaties and
promoting new markets (BBC News 16 June 2003).
During visit the Turkish PM was allied by 110 businessmen in his
delegation. It showed that the deep concern of Turkish government to
establish trade and economic ties with Pakistan. Three Memorandum of
Understandings on road transport, drug trafficking and environment
were signed between Turkey and Pakistan (Hussain, 2008).

President Parvez Musharraf visit Turkey January 2004

From January 19-21, 2004 President Musharraf visited Turkey. It was a
very important visit in strengthening two-sided associations in key
sectors. President Musharraf became the first Pakistani leader who got
the honor of addressing to the Turkish parliament. On January 20 these
two countries settled to build up cooperation in combating with
terrorism, enhancing economic and political links and improving
collaboration in defense, health and banking sectors. Four agreements
and a Memorandum of Understanding were signed among the two
countries. The two sides emphasized on expansion of economic and
trade assistance and decided to discover ways and means in different
areas especially in the defense field. The economic and commercial ties
were main focus of talks. The purpose of agreements was to gain the
huge potential for developing bilateral trade to the figure of $1 billion by
2005, President Musharraf said on the occasion (Dawn January 20,
2004).
On January 21 addressing to a meeting in Istanbul which was hosted by
the Foreign Economic Relations Board and Turkish-Pak Business
Council Istanbul, President Musharraf emphasized that with a push of
positive economic meters and its strategic location, Pakistan was qucikly
rising as the ‘economic crossroad’ of Gulf, South and Central Asia, and
offering her foreign investors a lucrative passage for their capital. He
referred to bilateral trade just around $200 million between these two
nations that is not in accordance with their excellent political and
diplomatic ties. He counted incentives that Pakistan offered to the
foreign investors and gave the investors a a short briefing keeping in
view of Pakistan’s economy. (Dawn January 22, 2004).
Establishment of Joint Investment Company, January 2004
In order to enhance economic and trade links between Pakistan and
Turkey; they agreed to start a joint investment company on January 22,
2004. The investment company will have a preliminary equity of $25
million to be common by the two nations. Pakistan decided that the
entire investment would come from the public sector while Turkey was
to decide the amount should be from its public or private sector. There
would be a very gigantic impression of company as it would offer an
institutional mechanism to the economic and trade relations between
Turkey and Pakistan. The company offices were established in Karachi
and Istanbul and the company will highlight projects in both countries
for investment and trade, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz told reporters
(Dawn January 23, 2004).
Framework accord on PTA signed January 2004
On January 22, Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) was signed
between Pakistan and Turkey to widen trade ties and develop trade size
to $1 billion two years. The agreement was signed between the two
countries to promote privileged trading and build up intra-regional
economic collaboration. Both countries consented to recommend duty
concessions for them on about fifty chosen products at six-digit level of
HS code according to the agreement, For extra concessions, the demand
lists contained almost three hundred commodities at 6 digit level HS
code for considering the two countries decided to provide within one
month of the confirmation of accord which would outline the foundation
for additional trade negotiations and offering tariff concessions. It was
said that the preferential exchange under the treaty shall be retained after
the Trade Agreement (ECOTA) signed during the second ministerial
meeting of commerce minister come into force.
Both countries contented to enforce across the board tariff concession of
twenty five per cent on the tariffs applicable to products originating from
the ECO countries under ECOTA for all the products traded between
Turkey and Pakistan, if some difference is noticed in the rates then lower
of the two will be implemented.
As per accord decided to reduce tariffs and eradicate non-tariff barriers
to trade.They also valued the spirit of both governments to augment the
echelon of joint trade to approximately $1 billion within a period of two
years. It was hoped that there are many possibilities of investment
opportunities in the areas of defense industry, food processing and
packing, automotive industry and auto-parts, household appliances,
construction materials, textiles, leather machinery and finished products,
sports goods and surgical instruments etc. Both sides stressed on
assessment of opportunities of spreading a regular shipping line between
Karachi and Istanbul (Dawn January 23, 2004).

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Visit Turkey May 2005

On 31 May, 2005 Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz paid a formal trip to
Turkey on the request of the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr.Recep Tayyip
Erdogan. Both prime ministers witnessed signing of an accord on
collaboration in the areas of science and technology by the Law minister
and Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul. Turkish Prime Minister
articulated his discontent over the size of trade between the two nations,
and hoped to discuss the measures to improve the same. Both countries
were also consented to grow air traffic to four flights a week with a
longing to bring the number to seven, and also starting direct flights
between Istanbul and Karachi. Addressing at special congregation of
Turkish businessmen, the Prime Minister invited Turkish
businesspersons to focus on Pakistan, which provides an exceptional
prospect to investors through its important strategic place and growing
economy policy (Haq, 2010).
Turkey’s aid during earthquake in 2005:
On October 20, 2005; Turkey proclaimed a relief package of $150
million for the earthquake stricken people of Pakistan. Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan while he addressed a joint press
conference with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz announced this relief
package from the Government of Turkey for their Pakistani brethren.
The relief package would contain financial assistance of $100 million
and relief goods worth $50 million, including one million blankets,
50,000 tons of flour and 25,000 tons of sugar. He said Turkey would
also render assistance in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected
people and said that he brought with him construction and housing
experts. Turkish premier said his country had got good technology in
constructing quake-proof buildings and they would like to share the
experience with Pakistan. Turkey would provide technical help in
several other fields, he said (Dawn 21 October, 2005).
Trilateral Summit April, 2007
On 29 April, 2007 President General Pervez Musharraf, of Islamic
Republic of Pakistan visited Ankara on the request of Ahmet Necedet
Sezer, the Turkish President. The President of Turkey also invited his
Afghan counterpart Mr. Hamid Karzai. President General Pervez
Musharraf and President Hamid Karzai held broad, friendly and useful
talks, together with President Ahrnet Necedet Sezer and Prime Minister
Recep Tayyib Erdogan, on regional and international issues.
Ankara Declaration was issued on that occasion. During the talks, the
Presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan decided to carry on the dialogue
and cooperation process in all proportions between the two countries and
endeavor collectively to augment prosperity of their peoples. In order to
supervise development on the decided affairs and coordinating the
confidence-building measures and mechanisms, both the Presidents
established a “Joint Working Group (JWG)” with the participation of
high level representatives of the three countries (Haq, 2010).

Visit of PM Yousaf Raza Gilani to Turkey October 2008

On 27 October 2008 the Premier of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani

visited Turkey. During discussion a comprehensive plan was chalked out
to encourage economic and trade, defense, scientific and technological;
and cultural cooperation. It was also determined to develop ties by
promoting transportation and communication links, including additional
air links. Keeping in view the special geo-economic and geo-political
importance of these countries, proper attention would be given to road
and rail links. They decided to augment their bilateral cooperation to
support regional peace, development and prosperity. Pakistan showed
gestures of admiration for the important role of Turkey in establishing
peace in Afghanistan (Haq, 2010).

On February 24, 2009, in order to enhance military cooperation Turkey

offered to start joint ventures in defense production with Pakistan. At
that time Gen Hasan Igsiz, of the Turkish General Staff addressed during
the sixth Pakistan-Turkey military dialogue at the ministry of defense
Islamabad that the two countries could complement each other in the
field of technology and military. Gen. Hasan, who led a 17-member
Turkish military delegation and Pakistan’s Defense Secretary Lt-Gen
(Retd) and Syed Athar Ali chaired that meeting jointly. The Turkish
general said that his country wanted to sponsor ‘sustainable security and
stability’ in the area, adding that Pakistan and Turkey must improve the
defense industry cooperation (Dawn February 25, 2009).

On March 31, 2009, President Asif Ali Zardari visited Turkey to attend
the third Turkey-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral summit where leaders of
the three states would discuss the ways to enhance assistance on
security, economy and development matters. Pakistan Foreign Office
issued a statement endorsing another issued from the office of the
Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s office stated ‘there would be an
exchange of ideas with regards to the security situation in the region.
And on future common projects which would aim to contribute to
stability, security and the welfare of the region’ (The News April 1,
2009).

Turkey’s assistance for IDPs in 2009

Islamabad appreciated that Turkey once again took the lead to provide
the badly needed assistance to Pakistan’s almost 3million Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) by announcing a further $10 million. The
Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmed Davutoglu on June 10, 2009, also
appealed the international community and the Muslim countries to show
concern for Pakistan and offer all out help for these Internally Displaced
Persons. Earlier, Turkey had pledged $100 million at the Tokyo Donor’s
Conference.
The Turkish Foreign Minister Prof Ahmad Davutoglu also visited
Punjab C.M Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Minster’s Secretariat
in Lahore. Important matters like promotion of trade and economic
relations between the two countries were discussed in that meeting.
Along with these bilateral affairs, rehabilitation process of IDP’s of Swat
region was also discussed in that sitting. Chief Minister of Punjab
showed his sentiments of deep gratitude for the Turkish government for
her assistance in the relief and rehabilitation of IDPs. On the other side
Turkish Foreign Minister Prof Ahmad Davutoglu said that helping and
providing assistance to the IDPs is moral responsibility of Turkish
people and Turkey wants to arrange a conference of Friends of Pakistan
in this regard(Dawn June 11, 2009).

To modernize forty two F-16 jet fleet of Pakistan a deal of worth around
$75 million was made by a Turkish defense company Tusas. The
company said in a written statement that the project would begin in Oct
2010. Tusas had also modernized Jordan’s F-16 fighters in a pact
approved in 2006. (The Nation 30 June, 2009).

On 8 September, 2009, President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce

and Industry (ICCI) Mian Shaukat Masu remarked that combined
projects should be encouraged in processing, manufacturing and export
of ceramic tiles, marble and other precious stones by Pakistan and
Turkey; it would generate healthier results for both nations. He stated
while addressing a gathering with a two members business delegation of
Turkey comprising Ozlem Dogan and H. Noyan Altin,. Mian Shaukat
Masud said that Turkey can play an important part in diversifying
Pakistan’s precious stone export markets. At that time, the members of
Turkish business delegation stated that they were on an tentative trip to
Pakistan as they consider that there is wonderful capacity of cooperation
between the two countries in ceramic tiles and precious stones business
(The News September 9, 2009).

On Oct 14, 2009, General IIkar Basbug, commander Turkish Armed

Forces, along with a delegation visited Mingora, Swat. They were given
a brief presentation about army’s successful operation in Swat. The
Commander Turkish Armed Forces applauded the spirits and valor of
soldiers and officers of Pakistan Armed Forces, who presented great
sacrifices during operation Rah-i-Rast for bringing harmony and
stability in that region.Thus General IIkar Basbug became the first ever
foreign head of armed forces to visit Swat, it shows the depth of the
relationships between the people and armed forces of theses brotherly
nations (Dawn October 15, 2009).
Pak-Turkey JMC meeting October 2009

On Oct 15, 2009, Pakistan and Turkey consented to instigate the course
for settling the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as they believed that both
of these two states have the abilities to amplify their bilateral trade up to
$2 billion by the end of 2012. These two sides also reached the
considerate at the session of 13th of 2 days Pak-Turkey Joint Ministerial
Commission (JMC) which was conducted in Islamabad. Addressing with
the media personals after signing a memorandum of understanding
(MoU), Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Turkish
Minister of state for Science and Technology Mehmet Aydin showed
their determination that the two countries would pursue negotiations to
finalize the FTA as soon as possible. However, no time-frame had been
fixed in this regard.

According to that MOU, both states were agreed that regardless of

global recession, $2 billion bilateral trade target could be targeted by the
end of 2012. The JMC also decided to enhance further step of the
Pakistani-Turkish Business Council. The council ought to held its
meeting in the first half of 2010, as both sides gave priority of effectual
performance of private sector platforms in enhancing bilateral trade
(Dawn October 16, 2009).
Turkish PM Visit Pakistan in October 2009

On October 25, 2009 Turkish prime minister, made a visit to Islamabad

for three days. Both nations decided to improve their broad strategic
partnership and strengthen political, economic and trade cooperation,
further more they committed to evolve strategies jointly to counter
terrorism. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan stated that the trade volume
between the two countries will be enhanced which is currently standing
at $741 million. He expressed his hopes that the trade volume would be
enhanced to $2 billion in upcoming years.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani stated that the
Turkish private sector can play a very important role in the progress of
infrastructure and communication sectors. He projected a four points
strategy to improve trade, economic and investment links between the
two countries. The diverse similarities between our countries armored by
the compact resolution of their headship decide to further strengthen
cooperation in all areas of life.

‘Let us make trade and investment the central pillar of this cooperation,’
he said while addressing the inauguration ceremony of Pakistan-Turkey
CEOs Forum; Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also
addressed with the gathering. Almost eighty chief executive officers of
Pakistani and Turkish private companies attended that meeting.

While explaining the four points strategy P.M Yusuf Raza Gilani said
that trade between Pakistan and Turkey was not proportionate with
potential. He said that,’ through bilateral arrangements and early
implementation of regional trade agreements such as the ECO Trade
Agreement; the two countries open their markets to a greater range of
products and services.’ He felt the need for establishing early settlement
of Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. The prime minister
said,’ both the countries should work out, as a key component of their
common Asia policy, a common marketing and market development
strategy for Eurasia.’ He further told ,’the train linking Islamabad to
Istanbul was a strategic project, which should be accorded high priority.’
And lastly it was expressed the Turkish companies should do investment
in expansion of Pakistan’s alternate energy and tourism sectors.

Turkish Prime Minister while addressing with that gathering said that
both countries shared an excellent history of brotherly relations they are
should be reflected in other fields like trade and economy. He further
told that political leadership should try to augment economic
cooperation, which was valuable for both nations. Turkish Prime
Minister stated that there was great capacity for collaboration and ‘we
have taken a step today to harness it’. (The News October 26, 2009)
Turkish Prime Minister Addressed the Parliament House
Turkish P.M Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will assist
Pakistan through thick and thin they will extend their cooperation to the
best of their abilities to meet its needs in all areas of urgency.

Addressing a joint sitting of parliament at the Parliament House, the

Turkish prime minister expressed, ‘You are not alone in your campaign
against terrorism and extremism’. He was
the fourth foreign head of a state to address the joint sitting of parliament
and the second Turkish leader after President Kenan Evren, who
addressed the joint sitting of parliament in 1985. He further expressed
his hopes to enhance the trade volume to two billion dollars by the end
of 2012. He told that an agreement of road transportation would be
signed between the two countries very soon. He frazzled the need for
endorsing maritime transportation between the two countries.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with President Asif
ali Zardari at the Presidency and there they discussed the crucial matters
in lieu of joint relations, strategic partnership and improvement in
economic activities. President Zardari respected and paid his gratitude
about the initiative taken by Turkey for developing a Common Asia
Policy and Turkish backing in strengthening relations of Pakistan with
Central Asian states. At that time Turkish Prime Minister was awarded
the great civil award of Pakistan Nishan-e-Pakistan by President Asif Ali
Zardari at Presidency in Islamabad.
(The News October 27, 2009)

On October 26, 2009 the Turkish Prime visited Azad Kashmir capital
along with P.M of Pakistan Sayyed Yousuf Raza Gilani and inspected
several facilities built by his country after the 2005 earthquake. That was
the second visit by Mr Erdogan to Muzaffarabad within four years. At
that time he inaugurated the Khurshid National Library and planted a
sapling in its lawn. ‘Turkey may be far away but its people keep you
close to their heart,’ he said (Dawn October 27, 2009).

Establishment of Joint Project Group

On 27th of October, 2009 both countries shaped a joint project group to

scrutinize important areas of cooperation for the encouragement of
investment in mining, oil and gas, textiles, agriculture, livestock and
dairy, energy, infrastructure and construction. That decision was to form
a group was taken by following the meeting of Pakistan-Turkish CEO’s
forum held in Islamabad to enhance economic cooperation and
investment between Pakistan and Turkey. That forum, which was
developed in meeting during the visit of the Premier of Turkey to
Pakistan, emphasized a number of fields and divisions wherein
investments can be performed between the two countries.

That visiting Turkish Minister of State for External Trade Zafar

Caglayan in a meeting with Federal Minister for Investment Senator
Waqar Ahmed made detailed discussions for encouraging cooperation in
various sectors and strengthening economic relations.

Pakistan and Turkey also consented that the new ventures in the
infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, banking
and allied services would be, especially focused to draw Turkish
investors in Pakistan. The two countries stressed the importance of
enhancing investment in all spheres, which is not at par with the need of
Pakistan and which is also below the level of the deep historic friendship
between the two nations. It was also decided to made the visits of
leading businessmen faster in order to hurry the current of ventures in
both directions (Dawn October 28, 2009).

The Commander of the Turkish Air Force, General Hasan Aksay called
on Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at
GHQ in Rawalpindi. He remained with the COAS there and discussed
affairs of professional significance (The News December 9, 2009).

President Asif Ali Zardari on December 9, 2009, held a meeting with

General Hasan Aksay, Commander Turkish Air Force at President
House Islamabad. Many issues brought under conversation such as
defense and army collaboration and enhancing of cooperation in other
areas of interest. On that distinguished occasion , the Turkish Chief was
conferred upon a Nisahan-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his services in
escalating strategic and defense cooperation between the two states
(Press Information Department, 2009).

On August 14, 2009 Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed his
views at the launching ceremony of project’s trial chapter, ‘that the
Islamabad-Istanbul container train service would lead to integration of
Pakistan’s railway tracks into the region’s network and opening up of a
trade passage between Europe on the one hand and South and Central
Asia on the other.’ He further added that, ‘first train would cover 6,500
kilometers via Tehran in two weeks, carrying 20 containers 14 for Iran
and six for Turkey.’ At that time Yousaf Raza Gilani evoked that, ‘ the
transit trade framework agreement which was signed on March 15 that
year in Islamabad between ECO member states requested that for its
improving to transit traffic to promote proficient movement of goods
and passengers.’ At the same time Mr. Ghulam Ahmed Bilour the
Federeal Minister for Pakistan Railways stated that government officials
and chambers of commerce are expected to work together in order to
create an efficient environment for rising regional trade. He also stated
that, ‘once the trial phase of the container service ended successfully, a
passenger service would be launched in an effort to boost tourism in the
region.’ Prime Minister Sayyed Yousaf Raza Gillani also organized a
meeting with Mohammad Yahya Maroofi, the secretary-general of ECO,
at the PM House (Dawn August 15, 2009)

According to August 2009 trilateral agreement between Pakistan, Iran

and Turkey, ‘the freight train, which was consisted of 6,506 kilometre
historic journey under the banner of Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO) from Islamabad to Istanbul via Tehran, completed
its journey within 15 days on August 28, 2009. A senior official at the
Ministry of Railways told The News that, ‘the train reached Istanbul on
the evening of August 28 and was given a warm reception there next
day.’ The train reached Tehran on August 23 and it took four and a half
more days to cross the threshold of the suburbs of the Turkish capital.
According to an estimate the goods train would take fifteen days to
reach its destination, but it reached on its destination in fourteens and a
half day . (The News September 1, 2009).

That STM Turkish defense company was working on the MILGEM

project. Sava?? Onur, project manager of (MILGEM) said to the
journalists on the 5th International Defense Exhibition and Seminar
(IDEAS) 2008 in Karachi that this exhibition fair was a very excellent
prospect for Turkish defense companies to advance their projects. ‘We
also display MILGEM here, which is one of the most important projects
that Turkey produced in the past few years.’

Mr. Onur stated that the project was of such a level that leave a lasting
impact on the Turkish ship-building and defense industries. He said that,
‘Pakistan needs more ships like this. We are planning to carry out a joint
project with Pakistan for these corvettes.’ At the same time he accepted
that the three defense companies have combined forces to deliver
Pakistan’s demand for corvette ships. That was known as a four ship
corvette project. The first ship will be designed and prepared in Turkey,
while the three others would be manufactured in Pakistan’s military
shipyards. It was a remarkable step that as a really comprehensive
project. At the same time he also stated that Turkey will start a two years
defense project with Pakistan. (Pakistan Defence, 2009).

President Zardari visit Turkey January 2010

On 20 January 2010 President Zardari attended the Trilateral Summit

which was held in Istanbul and discussed on Afghan issue and also
bilateral matters. On January 24, both countries consented to enhance a
US $ 20 billion investment in a project to improve a railway link from
Islamabad to Istanbul, main intention of this decision was to swiftly
transport cargo between Pakistan to Turkey and then to the Europe. This
decision was taken in a meeting between Pakistani President Asif Ali
Zardari and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul. In that meeting
President Abdullah Gul said that three companies of his country were
interesting in the construction project of Bhasha Diamer Dam in
Pakistan.

During that meeting President Zardari remarked that Transportation of

cargo by Air is very expensive while sea trade was normally at a snail’s
pace, therefore only cargo rail link can be a quick option to increase
economic ties not only between the Turkey and Pakistan but Iran also. A
broad presentation was also given to the Pakistani and Turkish
Presidents on the 6,566 kilometers Rail project from Islamabad to
Istanbul via Tehran, with 1,990 kilometers track situated in Pakistan,
2,570 kilometers in Iran and 2,006 kilometers in Turkey. It was also
observed that this rail link would not only strengthen economic position
of Pakistan but also it will connect the people these brotherly Muslim
countries along with Europe also. At the same time it also said that
Turkey will open a branch of a Turkish bank in Pakistan in Islamabad
(The Nation January 26, 2010).

On March 10, 2010 Turkish President Abdullah Gul said during meeting
with Speaker of National Assembly Fehmida Mirza that Turkey would
carry on supporting Pakistan, as the friendship between the two
countries is of momentous significance. Matters of reciprocal
importance between the two countries and methods to boost up bilateral
ties between the two countries were also discussed in that meeting.
Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistna, Fahmida Mirza stated that
both countries have resoluted to augment the level of joint trade from
$690 million to more than $1 billion by 2010 (The Nation March 11,
2010).

Three Memorandum of Understandings Signed in March 2010

Both countries signed three Memorandum of Understandings in the

areas of economic cooperation, agriculture and investment, President
Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul witnessed that
ceremony which was held at Aiwan I Sadr Islamabad. By these MoU’s,
both sides decided to encourage and support private sectors to launch
proprietary enterprises and joint ventures with an objective of
encouraging investment in fruit and food processing, commercial
production of olives, corporate livestock farming, dairy industry,
fisheries, poultry farming, cold storage facilities, commercial production
of seeds and nurseries and commercial production of flowers, spices and
medicinal herbs and their marketing. At the time of signing of MoU on
commercial cooperation between Board of Investment and Turkish
Investment Support and Promotion Agency, Saleem H. Mandviwala,
Chairman Board Of Investment represented Pakistani Government;
while the Turkish side was represented by Buyukelci Engin Soysal,
Mustesar Yardimeisi. Under the MoU, the cooperation would be
enhanced to boost investments between the Turkey and Pakistan. (Dawn
April 1, 2010).

At the same time the two countries (Pak & Turkey) showed their
commitment to bring the existing $690 million trade to over one billion
dollar this year, even this was not proportionate with the prospective of
their joint venture. Many Turkish businessmen visited Pakistan along
with President Gul and it was hoped that keeping in view the global
trends; economic interaction will assume center-stage in relations
between Pakistan and Turkey. (Dawn April 1, 2010).
On 31 March 2010, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani made a
speech at Pakistan-Turkey CEO Forum and remarked that the
cooperation between these two states of Pakistan & Turkey’s regarding
economies could breed a much higher volume for mutual trade, than at
present. To achieve that target we will have to target greater trade
through preferential trade arrangements and improved market access to
each other’s products. The target of bilateral trade of US $ 2 billion by
2012, set by the both nations could be achieved, provided we could take
determined and concentrated efforts to achieve that goal. The concerned
quarters in Pakistan would help and assist them in their endeavors.
Pakistani businessmen can also discover the investment opportunities in
Turkey and our Government would fully support and facilitate them
(Haq, 2010).

Major Advancements during the Turkish President Visit

On April 1, 2010 Turkish President Abdullah Gull restated that they

desire to enhance their special relationships to such an astonishing
echelon that the building of their geo-economic advantages may erect on
solid foundations. Both sides consented to act accordingly for the lofty
precedence of further augmentation of multi-faceted and broad based
cooperation among other means, increased connectivity, encouragement
of bilateral trade and investment and further expansion of people to
people contacts and exchanges. Both sides reached at the following
agreements.

 Agreed to collaborate closely to upgrade and reconnect road, air

and rail connectivity.
 Agreed to instigate periodic cargo train service between the two
countries, starting from August 2010. Note with satisfaction the
growth in bilateral trade, and reaffirm their desire to achieve the
target of $ 2 billion trade volume by the year 2012, through among
other means, early finalization of a strategic economic cooperation
framework, as well as fast tracked trade facilitation and promotion
 measures, including early implementation of the Agreement on
Abolition of Visas for Businessmen.
 Agreed to promote cooperation in the financial sector by
encouraging Turkish and Pakistani commercial banks and financial
institutions to open branches in the two countries.
 Agreed also to work jointly for further expansion and
consolidation of ECO Trade and Development Bank. Agree to
formulate a Plan of Action on Cooperation in the field of Energy
including cooperation in the area of new and renewable energy.
 Agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of
tourism, with particular emphasis on development of Pakistan’s
tourism sector.
 Agreed to finalize the Protocol on the Establishment of the Turkish
International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA)
Office in Islamabad at the earliest.
Keeping in view the standing Military Cooperation Agreements, both
countries consented to accelerate the pace of ongoing cooperation
between Turkey and Pakistan in the area of military training and
education, as well as promotion of trade and partnerships in the area of
defense production and acquisition (Haq, 2010).

Pakistan Offered 225 acre land for Turkish Investors

On 5 April 2010 Turkish and Pakistani agreed to establish a partnership

that was called from Turkish investments in Pakistan. C.M Punjab Mian
Shahbaz Sharif in a proclamation dedicated an area of 225 acres of land
to Turkish companies for building an industrial estate in Faisalabad.
Turkey granted an aid of US $10 million and promised to grant further
US $100 million at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum and
vowed to support Pakistan through its private sector. Turkey’s Zorlu
Energy company set up Pakistan’s first wind-based power project at
Jhimpir, and Karkey Karadeniz which provide Karachi to 500MW from
barge-mounted rental power to help Pakistan meet its energy
requirements,. Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges
(TOBB), and the Lahore industrial zone approved contract paving the
way for Turkish investments in the area (The Nation 2 April, 2010).

Turkish donations during flood in 2010

During flood of 2010 in Pakistan, various Turkish institutions and

agencies along with their civil society not only assisted their big help
during the disaster but also helped in various projects of post-disaster
relief to Pakistan flood affected people . Turkish State Minister Egemen
Bag’? said that Turkey donated $ 5 million to the flood-hit people of
Pakistan. Furthermore Turkish businessmen helped Pakistanis in this
crucial time and they provided an aid of forty tons to the country flood
struck areas, in addition with this they supplied to flood victims on
urgent basis an ample quantity of clean water, food, blankets, tents and
medical supplies. Thus Turkey became the first country to help Pakistan
in these hard times. (Haq, 2010).
On February 26, 2011Asif Ali Zardari and Abdullah Gul both head of
states agreed on accommodating their private sectors for enhancement in
joint ventures in trade and communication and getting highest profit
from their geo-strategic locations.

President Zardari emphasized on rising bilateral trade to US $ 2 billion

and more by year 2012 via public and private sectors to cooperate with
each other in major sectors such as infrastructure, engineering, telecom,
mining and technology. He reiterated on the quick upgradation of the
existing railway line between the two countries for delivery of speedy
cargo trains to enhance trade between the two. Turkish President showed
his contentment over Pak-Turk defense collaboration and recommended
enhanced military to military interface, joint military exercises, training
and related research and development arrangements. (Financial Post 27
February 2011).

Husnu Dilemre, Director General, Turkish Foreign Trade Under

secretariat, Directorate General of Agreements stated that if the
European Union administers its market access offer for Pakistan then
Turkey will award a parallel offer to Pakistan too. He met with
Muhammad Saeed Shafiq, President KCCI, who was in Ankara with
KCCI delegation. Husnu Dilemre said that Turkey will render her full
assistance to Pakistan in achieving GSP Plus status targetted by the EU.
Being a member of Customs Union, Turkey is offering beneficial GSP
regime to Pakistan beforehand.
Dilemre stated that, Pakistan requested to WTO for granting GSP Plus in
the last meeting, which was fully supported by Turkey. Dilemre said,
“Despite the fact that EU’s offer to Pakistan may have some affect on
Turkish Export to EU, we continue to support Pakistan being a brotherly
country.’ (Financial Post, 2011).

President Asif Ali Zardari visit Turkey April 2011

On April 11, 2011 President Asif Ali Zardari visited to Turkey, during
his four days visit he said that both of these brotherly states enjoyed
exceptional relationship and matchless brotherly affiliation, which has
supreme and is unsurpassed. Asif Ali Zardari also paid his gratitude to
President Gul for honoring him with the exalted ‘Devlet Nishan’ he
stated: ‘It is a matter of great prestige and also a symbol of exemplary
ties between Pakistan and Turkey.’ Earlier in their meeting President
Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul resoluted to carry
on functioning hands in hand to utilize the enormous potential in
industrial, energy, communication and infrastructure sectors of these
countries to produce dazzlingly mounting economies. Both head of the
states told that their talks concentrated upon running theIslamabad-
Istanbul-Tehran freight train service. Turkish President told that this
project will supply a trade route from Islamabad to European countries
with goods ; which will take about eleven days time to reach Turkish
markets. He further told that the railway track is already existed but it
needs to be improved and both states showed their consent to support
private sectors to produce funds for the project. Both of the dignitaries
expressed their confidence that their mutual labors would help them in
achieving the mark of enhancing their bilateral trade volume from $2
billion by 2012 (The News April 14, 2011).
President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan on April 14, 2011 vowed to fabricate a strategic
partnership concentrating on achieving economic opulence and
intensifying political ties. President Asif Zardari was invited to have a
luncheon with the Turkish Prime Minister at his official residence.
While discussing about the progress of the High Level Cooperation
Council originated by the two states, President Zardari showed his
deepest desire to shore up the institutional provisions which will assist in
well-organized accomplishment of projects designed by the two
neighbouring countries. They underlined the urge to enhance their
cooperation in private sectors and to create joint ventures in areas of
textiles, telecommunications, mining and technology (The News April
15, 2011).

President Zirdari’s visit during April 2011 brought a new development

between the two countries when both presidents showed their consent to
improve the existing Islamabad-Istanbul railway track, opening of the
five Turkish banks branches in Pakistan, and intention for a currency
exchange agreement to strengthen trade and commerce between Turkey
and Pakistan. With the positive boost off by both Presidents, Turkish
Union of Chambers announced to immediately promulgate a company to
run that project. Main objective of this company would be to seek
partnership with business groups of Pakistan and Iran to carry out the
project. Asif Ali Zirdari President of Pakistan offered Turkish
companies to participate in retrieval of 2.5 million acres of land under
sea on the basis of public-private enterprise; as per that offer the Turkish
companies would be allowed to initiate economic projects of their own
on part of reclaimed lands. President Abdullah Gul while accepting that
offer stated that he would soon send a team of private entrepreneurs to
scrutinize the offer. (Pakistan Economist May 1, 2011).

On 19 May 2011 Pakistani Ambassador of Turkey Mr. Tariq Azizuddin

in a meeting with a delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers
of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) stated that for enhancing already
annual bilateral trade between Turkey and Pakistan from the current
level of US $997 million to US $ 2 billion till the end of 2012 endeavors
are going on from both sides.
The delegation was escorted by Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, President
FPCCI; they attended 66th General Assembly of the Union of Chambers
and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) at Ankara and visited
several industrial facilities and business meetings with their Turkish
counterparts (Turkish Defence, 2011).

On 19 July 2011 bilateral political consultations were started at the

Foreign Secretaries’ level between Pakistan and Turkey were organized
in Ankara. Pakistani delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Salman
Bashir and the Turkish side by their Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs
Feridun Hadi Sinirlio??lu. As visualised by Presidents of Pakistan and
Turkey, both sides consented to discover the prospects of supplementary
economic incorporation through enhanced railways and road
connectivity that will be further expanded to Afghanistan and other
Central Asian region. (Press Information Department, 2011)

On August 11, 2011 Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and her
Turkish counterpart Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu in their exclusive meetings
determined to thrash out modalities of entering into Preferential Trade
Agreement. Both countries showed their agreement to discover the
leeway of accomplishment in bilateral trade in local currencies which
will furnish enhancement to on hand commercial activities. The
Pakistani Foreign Minister said, ‘Economic dependency is the guarantor
for our future.’ She further added that the cargo train venture between
Islamabad and Istanbul, labelled as ‘Gul Train’ required to be followed
up dynamically as it would reduce the costs of trade considerably. To
enhance cultural and educational ties, Hina Rabbani Khar gave an offer
that finest Universities of Turkey should start their campuses in Pakistan
under public-private partnership. Dr. Davutoglu told that bilateral trade
over the last six months reached US $632 million presentation a growing
tendency. Both countries however consented that the speed of economic
projects should be boosted up to meet the target of US $2 billion by year
2012 (Dawn August 11, 2011).
On October 20, 2011 Pakistan-Turkey Joint Business Council (PTJBC)
agreed to boost the bilateral trade between the two country meetings
which were attended by twelve members of Turkish delegation which
was consisted of Textile, Construction, and Energy; that was held on the
same day at Federation House, Karachi. Pakistani side was represented
by a large number of members of Pakistan-Turkey Business Council
with top businessmen of Pakistan. Mr.Amjad Rafi, Co-Chairman,
Pakistan-Turkey Joint Business Council in his address threw a light on
the activities of PTJBC and its role in the augmentation of mutual trade
between the two nations. He emphasized that two countries should mark
a preferential trading agreement for that purpose discussion should
already have been initiated between the two countries. The visiting
delegation was informed about the areas of wide significant for bilateral
trade between the two countries including textile machinery &
equipments, chemicals, agriculture chemicals, fertilizers, food and food
processing, auto spare parts energy, mineral and mining resources, and
textile industries. Huseyin Akin, Co-Chairman, Turkey-Pakistan Joint
Business Council stated that, ‘on the investment side both Turkey and
Pakistan offer tremendous opportunity as they have strategic geopolitical
location and highly qualified and productive labor force.’

Turkish trade volume in Pakistan during 2010 was nearly 1 Billion USD
and in the first 8 months of 2011, Pakistan achieved 850 million USD;
he further expressed his hopes that the trade volume will surpass one
billion USD by the end of 2011. He told that Turkish companies were
prepared to oblige their Pakistani counterparts in construction, energy,
textiles, dairy farming and food processing industries. During the
technical session of their meeting most of the participants from Turkey
and Pakistan showed their concerns that the safeguard duty imposed by
Turkish side would badly affect exports of Pakistan textile raw materials
to Turkey; which is currently making triumphant situations for both
nations.(News Tribe October 20, 2011)

Currency Swap Agreement November 2011

On November 1, 2011 the State Bank of Pakistan and the Central Bank
of Turkey reached a one billion dollars currency exchange arrangement
in Istanbul during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit of Turkey. Yaseen
Anwar governor State Bank of Pakistan and Turkish Central Bank
Governor Erdem Basci signed the accord in presence of President
Zardari and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gill. It was said an
announcement of SBP(State Bank of Pakistan); that, ‘the currency swap
arrangement has been concluded in Pakistani rupees and Turkish lira
with a size amounting to $1 billion in equivalent of local currencies.’
The nucleus purpose of that pact was to sponsor bilateral trade in local
currencies of the two countries for upcoming three years. The central
bank said that, ‘this was a landmark transaction between the two central
banks and was the first time they had executed such an arrangement.’
(The Express Tribune, 2011 November 2).
On 19 November, 2011 both countries felt the need to encourage
collaboration in agriculture, industrial, trade, science and other sectors
targeting on technological development. A consensus was developed at a
meeting between a thirty members Turkish delegation and the Executive
Committee Members of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

At that time the Turkish representatives showed in optimistic attitude

that the economic ties between the two countries would grow and it will
help in developing a mutually beneficial relationships between the both
countries. Head of Turkish delegation & Vice President Business
Tuskon Federation Dogan Kaynak in his address to the meeting; focused
on the great fondness of Turkish people which they hold for Pakistan.
Tuskon further told the delegations, that during his visit to Pakistan; he
received a very comprehensive information on prospective business
chances and that they would be coming back with excellent investment
proposals to Pakistan. Mr.Shahzad Ali Malik , the LCCI President
during his address on that occasion appreciated the spirit of the Turkish
delegation for celebrating Eid with flood victims in Pakistan. He stated
that LCCI was taking instant and tangible steps to enhance the size of
trade between the two countries from its current level of $663 million to
the benchmark of $2 billion dollar benchmark. Previously, the LCCI
signed an MOU with ANEED (Anatolian Businessmen Federation)
which was functioning under the aegis of Business Tuskon
Confederation. ANEED was basically a Turkish based federation which
was committed to make an important contribution to the economic
development of the country via promotion of trade and industry. (The
Pakistan Today November 21, 2011).

An Overview of Pakistan-Turkey Reade in 2011

Pakistan stood the 78th largest export partner of Turkey in 2011; Exports
of Turkey to Pakistan were 213 million US Dollar in 2011 at that time
with a decline of 14% (248 million USD) of 2010. Subsequently after
2005, in which ‘Asia-Pacific Commercial and Economic Relations
Development Strategy’ of Turkey was initiated; the exports of Turkey to
Pakistan got a rising tendency by 14% (187 million USD). The top
export categories (2-digit SITC) for 2011 were textile yarn and fabrics
(7.6%); along with miscellaneous manufacturing articles (6.5%); dairy
products and bird eggs (6%); cereals and cereal preparations (5.1%), and
machinery for particular industries (4.5%). Pakistan was 45th largest
import partner of Turkey in 2011. Turkey’s imports from Pakistan were
up to 873 million USD in 2011, with an increase of 16% (750 million
USD) as compared to 2010. Beside that imports from Pakistan had
increased to the increasing level of 177% since 2005. The top five
imports categories (2-digit SITC) during the year 2011 were: textile
yarn, fabrics, made-up articles (59%); plastics in primary forms (13%);
articles of apparel, clothing accessories (13%); organic chemicals (5%)
and leather, dressed fur skins (2.6%). The trade volume between Turkey
and Pakistan increased up to one billion USD in 2011, and the trade
shortfall against Turkey is 659 million USD, which was enhanced by
31% (502 million USD) as compared to 2010. By the end of 2011,
Turkish FDI stock in Pakistan was thirty millions USD. Besides, Turkish
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock in Pakistan was fifty two millions
USD between 2005 and 2011. It was reported that Turkish direct
investment in Pakistan was led mainly in the energy, finance, and
infrastructure and contracting sectors. FDI of Pakistan in Turkey was 88
million USD towards the end of 2011 (Ministry of Economy, 2013).

Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed Pakistani parliament May

2012

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed at the joint

session of Pakistani parliament for the second time in four years on May
21, 2012, thus he became the first international leader to speak to
legislators of Pakistan twice. He promised that Turkey will always assist
Pakistan through thick and thin. This session was also addressed by
Pakistani Primier Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Leader of Opposition
in National Assembly of Pakistan Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan. All the
public representatives showed proud feelings of a strong Pakistan-
Turkey relationship and expressed their hopes to enhance these
cooperative relationships to ensure peace and stability in the area. The
Turkish premier showed his great pleasure on addressing the parliament
for the second time and showed his gratitude to the Speaker of National
Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza and other parlimentarians for giving him
the honor. He also stressed on the importance of a rapid boost up in
bilateral trade to $2 billion for economic opulence of the two countries
(The Daily News May 22, 2012).
2013-14 as the Pak-Turkish Cultural Year

The Cultural Cooperation working group learned that the year 2013-14
would celebrate as Pak-Turkish Cultural Year. In the meantime the
Turkish government showed her concern to invest in the power sector in
Pakistan and ensured to encourage their investors to assist in resolving
the current energy crisis faced by Pakistan. The Turkish Minister for
Energy and Natural Resources, Taner Yildiz, during his meeting with
Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar gave an official offer
to help in energy sectors of Pakistan. Mr.Yildiz stated that the Turkish
government was ready to work in collaboration with Pakistan and to
address the energy crisis. He told that, ‘Our investors are interested in
investing in Hydro, wind and other renewable resources to develop this
sector.’ He officially invited a ministerial delegation of Water and Power
of Pakistan to pay a visit to Turkey and brief the investors through
organizing conferences and meetings. The Turkish government would
facilitate and encourage the investors to invest in Pakistan; he added
(The News May 22, 2012).
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said that nine years ago Pak-Turkey
trade volume was $175 million, which had now reached $1 billion. He
hoped that it would reach $2 billion in the near future. He said to attract
foreign investment; a country should provide favorable atmosphere and
strong economy. Separately, Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Erdogan was
awarded an honorary degree of doctor of philosophy in international
relations by the Quaid-e-Azam University. Acting President Nayyer
Hussain Bokhari conferred the honorary PhD degree to the Turkish
Premier in a special convocation held at Aiwan-e-Sadr (The News May
23, 2012).

56.4 MW Wind Power Project by the Turkish Company

Both brotherly states signed financial closing documents for setting up

of a first ever 56.4 MW wind power project that would start generating
electricity from December 2012 onwards. The ceremony of signatures of
that accord was conducted at the office of Alternative Energy
Development Board (AEDB) where representatives of AEDB and Zorlu
Energy signed the documents. The equipment and turbines for the
project had been arrived in Karachi and construction on that project had
already been started. The representatives of Zorlu said that the project
would be completed by December 2012 (Dawn May 30, 2012).

On September 16, 2012 the Mustafa Babur Hizlan ambassador of

Turkey to Pakistan said that both countries will be able to meet the
bilateral trade target of $2 billion by the end of the year. The ratio of
Pakistani exports to Turkey would be even less than last year. He
showed his disappointment on the issue that the governments have not
signed a Preferential Trade Agreement and the flow of Pakistani textile
goods into Turkey had also been tightened. He also stated that measures
of Turkey to increase the import of textiles between the countries with
whom it does not have a free or Preferential Trade Agreement. He stated
that, ‘Both countries have excellent relations at the government and
administration levels but our trade relations are less than what they
ought to be.’ (The Express Tribune September 17, 2012).

Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding

A Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among

the governments of Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan to enhance and
augment trade and economic cooperation among all these three countries
for the joint interest. That MoU was signed during the seventh trilateral
Summit of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey in Ankara, it provided a
base for the establishment of Trilateral Trade Council, and will further
help for advancement of foreign investment, rising and enhancing
commercial ties and reconnoitering possibilities for cooperation in
services sectors among the three countries. The MoU would also assist
swap of information focusing on their respective legislation on trade and
economic activities. That ‘Trilateral Trade Council’ will supply a handy
platform to talk about advancement of regional, bilateral and trilateral
cooperation besides joint practices on the issues of commercial and
economic relations, trade policy matters and trade facilitation among the
three countries. Under that framework of ‘Trilateral Trade Council’, the
three governments agreed to supply the required facilities to the
businessmen of the three countries to amplify trade and to solve the
issues emerging in this regard. The entrepreneur and organizations of the
three countries would also be stimulated to contribute in exhibitions,
fairs and other promotional activities to sponsor the exchange of trade
delegations and business representatives. The MoU was initially signed
for a period of one year and it will be renewed automatically for
successive periods of one year as per consent of the three countries
(Dawn December 12, 2012).

On December 11, 2012 both countries agreed on early implementation

of joint projects’ boosting private sector and providing facilitative trade
mechanisms to extend bilateral relations further. That consensus was
evolved at President Zardari’s separate meetings with Turkish President
Abdullah Gul and Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the
seventh Trilateral Summit of Afghanistan-Pakistan and Turkey in
Ankara. During discussion of their bilateral relations, President Zardari
emphasized on the need for early completion of Pakistan-Turkey
Preferential Trade Agreement, which will help enhancing of trade ties
and meeting the mutually agreed trade target of two billion dollars.
President Zardari stated that, ‘Pakistan wishes to reinforce defense ties
with Turkey and urged the need to focus on joint defense production and
allied research and development.’ President Gul insisted on early
execution of bilateral agreements and joint ventures between the two
countries to expand bilateral trade and economic ties in all respective
fields. (The Daily Pakistan today December 12, 2012).
Inauguration of the Metro Bus System (MBS)

On 9th of February , 2013 the Metro Bus System , first rapid mass
transit bus project of the country was launched. That was inaugurated by
Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif at a ceremony which was
attended by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag, Mian Nawaz
Sharif head of PML-N and ambassadors of a various countries. Turkish
companies cooperated with Pakistani local administration to build metro
bus lines to facilitate 110,000 passengers in Lahore, Punjab in Pakistan.

At that time Turkey was practically facilitating the Metro Bus System, it
also ensured investment from a leading Turkish firm in provision and
operation of 18 metres long articulated forty five buses (Volvo China).
The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister while speaking on the occasion
stated that his country would continue to support Punjab and other
provinces of Pakistan for launching such major innovative projects.
‘Turkey and Pakistan enjoyed cordial relations and trust each other. The
countries helped each other on various occasions and we would continue
to do so in future too.’ Mr. Bozdag said that Pakistan and Turkey could
not prop up bilateral business relations in the past, the Metro Bus System
would help in enhancing investment by the business community between
the two countries. He hoped for maximum business relations among
Muslim countries (The Dawn 10 February, 2013).

Agreement about Wastage Collection of Lahore City

Turkish companies shared their full cooperation with Pakistani local

administration to build Metro Bus System in Lahore, Punjab.
Meanwhile, three Turkish firms won another tender for the Solid Waste
collection of Lahore city the second most populous city in country. All
of these three companies will collect the waste of Lahore for seven
years. The Punjab province is the major province in Pakistan, as it is the
leading agricultural and industrial city. (Hurriyet Daily News 10
February 2010).

On 10 February, 2013 Turkey offered further support and investment in

smooth functioning of Metro Bus Service in other cities of Pakistan,
including Karachi. While talking with the daily The News, Turkish
ambassador Mustafa Babar Hizlan expressed that Turkey is prepared to
assist Pakistan in its efforts to advance its transportation system. (The
News February 11, 2013).
On March 1, 2013 Pakistan and Turkey discussed potential of local
production, co-production and shift of technology for defense-related
products as per requierements of the both countries. Defense Minister
Syed Naveed Qamar bebated these issues during his trip to Turkish
Aerospace Industries (TAI) near Ankara with the Turkish Foreign
Minister Prof Dr Ahmet Davutoglu. (The Nation March 2, 2013).

At the same time Deputy Director of Alternative Energy Development

Board (AEDB) Naeem Memon stated that an additional wind power
project of 56MW has been accomplished at Jhimpir. He was briefing the
media persons on a trip to the project at Jhimpir. (The Nation March 3,
2013).

On 9 September 2013 Turkish Minister for Energy and Natural

Resources Mr. Taner Y??ld??z in a meeting with Ambassador of
Pakistan Muhammad Haroon Shaukat in Turkey ensured the full
cooperation of his government for launching different development and
investment projects in the energy sector. (Pakistan Embassy in Turkey
September 9, 2013).

Visit of PM Nawaz Shrif to Turkey September 2013

On September 16, 2013 the Prime Minister of Pakistan paid a three days
visit to Ankara to discuss several issues of great importance with the
Turkish leadership. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received the highest
Turkish Civil Award, ‘Medal of Democracy’. While receiving the
award; Nawaz Sharif paid his gratitude in these words, ‘It is indeed a
great honor for me to have been bestowed with the ‘Medal of
Democracy’ by your Excellency’. During his visit PM Nawaz Sharif
talked at the business forum and signed some agreements of great worth
and Memorandums of Understanding with the Turkish government.
Nawaz Sharif arranged special meetings with leading Turkish
entrepreneurs and investors. Leading businessmen from Pakistan also
attended the forum to explore mutually beneficial entrepreneurial
opportunities.’ (Express Tribune September 17, 2013).

On September 17, 2013 from Ankara it was reported that both countries
signed twelve Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and contracts to
boost joint assistance in different areas of interest for the countries. That
ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Both Prime
Ministers signed the Joint Declaration of the third High Level
Cooperation Council (HLCC) as well. Respective ministers from both
the sides signed the agreements which included a Joint Declaration of
the third High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC).’

 MoU for Cooperation and Information Exchange between the

Under-secretariat of Treasury of Turkey and the SECP.
 MoU for Cooperation in Tax Matters.
 MoU on Strengthening Cooperation in the field of Education;
  Renewal of Cultural Exchange Programme.
 Agreement on the Establishment, Functioning and Activities of
Cultural Centers.
 Framework agreement between Ministry of Housing and Works
and TOKI.
 MoU for Cooperation in Technical and Vocational Training.
 Cooperation Protocol on Security.
 MoU on Civil Aviation.
 Agreement on the Transfer of Offenders.
 Protocol on Science and Technology Cooperation.
(Associated Press of Pakistan September 18, 2013)
Third High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) meeting

Both countries consented to fortify cooperation in different areas of

mutual interest, including trade, energy, infrastructure development,
security, education, culture, science and technology as well as improving
efforts for establishment of peace in the region. While addressing a joint
press conference with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan
after co-chairing the third High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC)
meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, declared the meeting ‘very
productive’ and stated gladly that ‘there was unanimity of views’
between the two sides on different issues of bilateral and regional
interest. Both sides consented to increase the number of flights between
the two countries, so that they would be able to carry out the impetus
generated by the HLCC meeting. During a meeting with Turkish Interior
Minister Muammer Guler and senior security officials, the Pakistani
premier stated that Pakistan would demand help and guidance from
Turkey in successfully copping with the menace of extremism from the
country. The Turkish premier said his country will broaden assistance to
Pakistan in controlling cybercrimes and tackling with the issues of
radicalization (Dawn September 18, 2013).

Nawaz Sharif attended a business forum in Istanbul with the

participation of hundreds of Pakistani and Turkish businessmen,
investors and entrepreneurs. Addressing the forum, Nawaz Sharif said
Pakistan took measures to facilitate Turkish investment. He also said “A
special cell established in my office to oversee and facilitate Turkish
projects in Pakistan,’ On the other side Turkey’s Finance Minister Zafer
Caglayan said in his speech that trade volume between the two countries
extended a billion dollars in 2013 this figure was $175 million 10 years
ago. Guner Ozkan, an analyst at the Ankara-based International Strategic
Research Organization, said deepener economic ties between Turkey
and Pakistan would help stabilize the region following next year’s
NATO drawdown from Afghanistan. “The post-2014 era is a big
question mark for the whole region. By improving its economic ties with
Pakistan, Turkey wants to enable Nawaz Sharif to overcome its
economic challenges and to create a stronger Pakistan in the region,” he
told SES Turkey. “Creating an economically powerful Pakistan in the
region would secure the peace and stability in Afghanistan at the end
(SES Turkey September 20, 2013).

Security Cooperation Protocol

Turkish security and police experts would facilitate Pakistan to set up

perfect security and surveillance systems in major cities, besides
overhauling the recruitment and training schemes of cops in all the
provinces, and take new techniques to check crimes, terrorism and
lawlessness. In a new agreement called the Security Cooperation
Protocol, signed between Pakistan and Turkey during Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif’s just-concluded tour to Ankara, Islamabad has sought the
brother Islamic country’s help to overhaul the country’s policing by
improving its recruitment, training, command and control systems and
equipment. According to sources, the Turkish experts would also
support Pakistan in developing a trustworthy CCTV-based security and
surveillance system as was working in Ankara. (The News September
21, 2013).

M.O.U between Government of Sindh Turkish company for Wind

Power Project
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Government of
Sindh and STFA Yatirim holding A-S a Turkish company for
accomplishment of a Wind Power Project in a humble but impressive
ceremony which was held at CM house Karachi. The Secretary Energy
Government of Sindh Agha Wasif Abbas signed the document of MOU
for government of Sindh while Mr.Mehmet Orhan Unalan Project
Development Director STFA Yatirim holding A-S signed on behalf of
his company.

According to that MOU, the company had to carry out studies for
installing up the wind masts at positions highlighted by it in survey and
the project company was directed to located the site within two months
where the project company will initiate survey of wind potential of the
implementation of schedule for the Wind Power Project (PPP October
11, 2013).

Visit of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan December 2013

On 22 December 2013 The Turkish Premier Tayyip Erdogan visited

Lahore in lieu of his official visit to Pakistan. Chief Minister of Punjab
Mian Shahbaz Sharif greeted the Turkish Chief Executive at the Allama
Iqbal International Airport. Shahbaz Sharif said on December 22, 2013
that the Pak-Turk friendship entered into a new phase. (The Daily Dawn
December 23, 213).
On December 23, 2013at that time Turkish Premier Tayyip Erdogan
stated that a new chapter of trade between Pakistan and Turkey would be
opened from now and onwards while Pakistani Premier Mian Nawaz
Sharif stated that Pakistan wants to bolster trade with Turkey. Both
leaders also promised to enhance the joint trade, cultural, political and
economic ties between the two countries. They expressed that both sides
will work on joint ventures and invest in various areas of economy
including energy, transport, communication, infrastructure, textile,
automobile, agriculture, industry, food processing, dairy development,
information technology, oil and gas etc in each other’s countries.
Governor of Punjab Muhammad Sarwar, C.M Punjab Shahbaz Sharif,
Federal Minister of Finance Ishaq Dar, Turkish Minister of Economy
Zafer Caglayan and Turkish Minister for Transport were prominent
among other ministers, parliamentarians, business tycoons from both
sides. On that occasion both the sides also inked three Memorandums of
Understanding between Punjab Industrial Department and Turkey
Cooperation Agency; Pakistan Railways and Turkish Logistics
Organisation; Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority (PSQCA)
and Turkish Standard Institution. Turkish Premier Mr. Erdogan told the
participants that he had brought with him representatives of thirty nine
prominent Turkish companies along with many trade delegations to
Pakistan to discover investment opportunities. He mentioned that
existing trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey is hovering around
$83 million, which should be accelerated. The Turkish Prime Minister
stated that Turkey was fully prepared to offer its economic development
roadmap to Pakistan to bring the former on the path to swift
development. He cited that the Metro Bus Project sponsored by Turkey
had transformed Lahore into a modern and developed city. He further
said that such like projects will also be initiated in twin cities
Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Nawaz Shrif mentioned the commendable
role of some 23 Pak-Turk schools for promoting cultural exchange and
harmony between Pakistani and Turkish youth. The PM said Pakistan’s
top exporting sector of textile was recently awarded GSP Plus
(Generalized System of Preferences) status by the European Union, is a
evidence to the confidence of the international market in quality of
Pakistani products. Turkish textile companies with their better
technological capabilities and investment competence could explore this
sector for joint projects, he said. Nawaz Sharif also offered the Turkish
businessmen and investors to put their money or make joint ventures in
the vibrant and potential sector of tourism, food processing, agro-based
products, dairy development, hotel/restaurant industry, resorts
development and tour operations. (The News December 24, 2013).

On September 24, 2013, both brotherly nations consented to accomplish

the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in the first quarter of the next
year 2014 to enhance bilateral trade. The understanding on various
issues developed in a meeting between P.M Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Prime
Minister’s House. Later on in a joint press conference with his Turkish
counterpart’ Premier Mian Nawaz Sharif expressed his confidence that
this economic skeleton will considerably contribute towards the
provision of better trade facilities between the two countries. He told
that the both sides signed a number of MoUs which included a making
of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul ECO container train operative. He told
that regular operations in regard of the train service it will introduce
greater economic integration between the region and beyond. Turkish
Prime Minister Erdogan stated that, ‘We are attaching great significance
to bilateral visits in order to enhance cooperation in different fields. We
want to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in areas of aviation’ railways
and maritime. We plan to open a new consulate in Lahore. These steps
will help cement our relations in future.’ Later on , both countries signed
two MoUs in Islamabad for enhancing cooperation in sports and
handling with natural disasters. Both of the premiers witnessed the
signing ceremony. A joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the
Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan trip, it stated that the two sides
desire to improve cooperation in social sectors, especially culture’
education and tourism. Pakistan and Turkey would provide and support
investments by the private sector in both countries. Pakistan will
particularly promote the Turkish private sector for investments in key
sectors of energy’ especially coal’ hydroelectric and wind’ infrastructure
including motorways’ roads and airports’ low-cost housing and urban
development schemes and municipal services like public transport and
solid waste management. They will persuade their respective state and
private banks to open their branches in Pakistan and Turkey. Both sides
would also increase assistance between educational institutions and
increase the number of scholarships to for the students of these countries
to get their undergraduate’ graduate and post-graduate level studies in
the fields of engineering’ technology’ medicine and management
sciences. Meanwhile, Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan also
visited President Mamnoon Hussain at the President House. Pakistani
President arranged a luncheon in the honor of the visiting dignitary.
Later Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius Dr. Ahmed Rashid
Beebeejaun also met President Mamnoon Hussain. Talking to Ahmed
Rashid Beebeejaun, the president said Pakistan has given great
importance to its relations with Mauritius and wished for the further
progress in the joint relations.

(The News December 25, 2013).

After studying the progress made vis-a-vis strategic ties, Pakistani

Premier Mian Nawaz Sharif and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip
Erdogan resoluted to increase cooperation in issues related to counter-
terrorism strategies and security planning. A security cooperation
protocol was signed by the two countries which provide an outline for
security and counter-terrorism assistance. A joint statement was issued
after the visit that stated that the two countries would search the
likelihood of joint defense production and research (Dawn December 25,
2013).
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visit to Turkey in February 2014

Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif visited Turkey in February 12, 2014 on

a three days trip to attend the eighth Pakistan-Afghan-Turkey Trilateral
Summit in Ankara. He was greeted at the airport by Turkish Minister of
Environment Idris Gulluce. The purpose of this eighth Trilateral Summit
was ‘Sustainable Peace in the Heart of Asia.’ The Summit took place in
milieu of significant political and security transitions in Afghanistan’
including Presidential and Provincial Council elections on 5th of April
this year and the withdrawal of NATO/ISAF forces by December 31st of
this year. The trilateral dialogue among Pakistan, Turkey and
Afghanistan concluded on the same day with an understanding that
security issues would be addressed on an urgent basis since regional
peace and development hinged upon the eradication of terror activities.
The three countries would enhance their cooperation for regional
security, stability and development. The prime minister later reached
Istanbul and he would hold meetings with the Turk businessmen and
companies working in Pakistan in various fields. Turkey is keenly
interested in making huge investment in Pakistan in infrastructure and
energy sectors. Meanwhile, Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif held talks
with Turkish President Abdullah Gul on the wide range of joint
relations. Both leaders discussed thoroughly regional state of affairs and
matters of common interests. Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif
held a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Tayyib Erdogan. They
discussed matters of common interest. Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff
(COAS) General Raheel Sharif held separate meetings with Commander
of Turkish Land Forces General Hulusi Akar and Chief of Turkish
General Staff General Necdet Ozel. (The News February 14, 2014).

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on February 14, 2014 invited Turkish

businessmen to become development partners of Pakistan and ensured
them the highest support of the Pakistani government to economic
investors. Talking to leading Turkish businessmen, the Premier Nawaz
Sharif said that Pakistan would push bilateral partnerships in the public
and private sectors. He met with the representatives of leading
companies including Ko’? Holding chairman Mustafa Ko’?, Nurol
Group vice-chairman Oguz Carmikli, CEO and deputy chairman GAMA
Holdings Hakan Ozman, Limak Holdings chairman Nehat Ozdemir, IC
holding chairman Ibrahim Cecin, STFA chairman Alp Yalcin Taskent,
Albayrak Group chairman Ahmet Albayrak, Zorlu Holdings chairman
Ahmet Zorlu, ATA Holdings president Korhan Kurdo ??lu and Ciner
Group CEO and chairman Turgay Ciner. The Ko’? group showed ardent
curiosity to invest in electrical appliances manufacturing, dairy
development and bus manufacturing. In a meeting with Limak Holdings,
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that Turkish companies would be
provided with all feasible assistance for setting up power plants. The
company representatives told the Prime Minister that they had
completed pre-requisites for investing in the wind energy; coal fired
power plants in Gaddani Power Park and construction of highways on
Build-OperateTransfer basis. The Norul group told that they had
explored investment projects of Dasu Hydropower Project, Lahore-
Karachi Motorway and coal based projects and hydropower project. The
Istanbul Forum for Economic Cooperation between Pakistan, Turkey
and Afghanistan insisted upon the need of strong logistic links among
these countries to increase trade and economic activities in the region.
The forum members, who met in Ankara on Thursday, discussed the
potential of economic integration among the three countries.’ (Dawn
February 15, 2014).

Both countries Pakistan and Turkey can play a vital role to each other
for future betterment if both governments made their decision for the
betterment of both countries masses in the field of economic, trade,
health, and education. Turkey government at the current scenario have
been willing to made good relations with Muslim World and keen
interested to invest specially with Pakistan