ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered fully-funded scholarships in its universities to Turkish students, paving the way for stronger academic linkages between the two countries.

The offer was extended in a meeting between Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan and Ambassador of Türkiye Irfan Neziroglu here on Thursday.

The Turkish ambassador said there is a great potential for youth exchanges and collaborations between the two countries, emphasising opportunities for Turkish students to pursue higher education at Pakistan’s prestigious universities.

Ambassador Neziroglu remarked: “This is not a diplomatic relation. We are brothers,” encapsulating the profound sense of kinship that defines Pakistan-Türkiye relations.

He expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Türkiye during the devastating earthquake, lauding it as a testament to the solidarity between the two countries. Discussion focused on exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation and youth-centric initiatives between the two nations.

The meeting underscored the deep fraternal bonds shared by Pakistan and Türkiye, transcending traditional diplomatic ties.

He also sought collaboration on the National Youth Council of Pakistan, inviting Turkish expertise and participation to empower the youth of both nations.

The meeting also explored cooperation in media and sports, with both sides expressing enthusiasm for joint projects that would further cement cultural and people-to-people connections.

The Chairman reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with Türkiye, emphasizing that such initiatives would unlock new opportunities for the youth and strengthen the historic brotherhood between the two nations.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2025