A Cultural Night was organized at Jinnah Convention Center to commemorate the 75th anniversary of establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Türkiye. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the ceremony, Khar noted that Ankara and Islamabad have similar positions on a variety of regional and global issues, and have always stood alongside one another in difficult times.
She highlighted Turkish companies’ recent investments in Pakistan in a variety of sectors, including infrastructure and health, with the hope that Islamabad will attract additional investments from Turkiye in the future.
The two sides are committed to increasing bilateral trade volume to $5 billion over the next three years, she added. Khar expressed gratitude to Ankara for its financial and technical assistance during the recent super floods that inundated a third of Pakistan, saying her countrymen have always been proud of their Turk brothers.
The strength of Pakistan-Türkiye relationship is anchored in affection and solidarity among the peoples of the two countries, she added.
Minister of State said that the ties between the two countries have transformed into a strategic partnership, characterized by multiple high-level exchanges, including the visits of Prime Minister of Pakistan to Türkiye in June and November 2022, the Joint Inauguration of MILGEM Corvettes PNS KHAIBER, and signing of the Trade in Goods Agreement in August 2022, that aims at achieving bilateral trade target of US $ 5 billion in the medium term.
The Cultural Night was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Türkiye that brought to the fore the rich cultures of Pakistan and Türkiye. The ‘Sama’ performance of whirling Dervishes from Konya, Türkiye and instrumental Tabla performance from Pakistani artists, along with traditional delicacies from both the countries, kept the large audience entertained throughout the evening. Earlier in the morning, the two countries held simultaneous Tree Plantation Ceremonies at their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, to mark the 75th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties.
The tree was planted jointly by Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar and Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Mehmet Paçaci, in Islamabad; while Turkish Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Faruk Kaymakci, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye, H.E. Dr. Yousaf Junaid, planted the tree in Ankara.
Indeed Pakistan and Türkiye relationship has stood the test of times and continues to grow deeper and higher with each passing day.
