A high-level Turkish delegation today requested approval for Trkiye’s Ziraat Bank to establish operations in Pakistan, while also discussing expanded strategic cooperation in the defence, communications, and manufacturing sectors during a meeting with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Wednesday.
The 15-member group, representing the influential Bursa Chamber and Defence Cluster Association, is visiting Pakistan to advance the interests of Trkiye’s Defence Industry, with a strong focus on strengthening Business-to-Government (B2G) ties.
Delegates informed the minister that its participating companies hold significant interests in the MILGEM frigate project, underscoring the depth of industrial partnership between the two nations. In his remarks, Abdul Aleem Khan noted that cooperation in defence and communications remains strategically important and that relations had been further reinforced during the recent conflict with India.
Discussions also centered on broadening collaboration in aerospace, food, and automotive industries. The Turkish representatives expressed that opening a Ziraat Bank branch would be instrumental in bolstering bilateral trade and investment.
The Federal Minister advocated for increased air connectivity, suggesting that direct flights, similar to those established with Azerbaijan, significantly boost commercial linkages. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s full commitment to the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway Corridor project.
Khan described Pakistan and Trkiye as time-tested allies, stating every Pakistani is prepared to support their Turkish counterparts. The delegation, which hails from Bursa, a major Turkish hub for advanced manufacturing, extended an invitation to the minister to visit the city.
The meeting concluded with both parties affirming their commitment to deepening bilateral trade, industrial collaboration, and long-term strategic partnerships.