Türkiye, Pakistan FMs discuss bilateral ties in Istanbul

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Istanbul on Sunday for wide-ranging talks covering the expansion of bilateral cooperation and pressing regional security challenges, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

The meeting took place at the ministry's Istanbul office, though officials in Ankara did not disclose specific discussion points. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry later released a statement outlining the scope of the diplomatic engagement.

Strategic cooperation

The two ministers reviewed progress under the Pakistan–Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council framework and agreed on the early convening of the next HLSCC session. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry stated that the two sides "expressed satisfaction at the continued strengthening and expansion of bilateral relations in the political, economic, security and cultural domains."

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments while reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts for peace and stability. The meeting comes one day before officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are scheduled to hold the inaugural political and defense committee meeting under the Mecca defense pact in Istanbul, sources noted.