ISLAMABAD: The Makkah Defence Agreement and the ‘Badr’ defence cooperation accord are the latest milestones in the relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye, which is rooted in history, Turkish Ambassador Dr Irfan Neziroglu said.

Speaking at a reception held to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye, the envoy said both countries aimed to build a stronger economic partnership and deepen their strategic alliance, while setting an example of cooperation on regional and international platforms.

“Turkiye and Pakistan are not simply friends. We are brothers by history, united by faith, bound by shared sacrifices.”

“When Pakistan hurts, Turkiye feels the pain. When Turkiye faces hardship, Pakistan stands beside us,” he said.

The reception was attended by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, among other dignitaries.

In his remarks, PM Shehbaz called for an economic partnership to match the political and strategic bond between the two brotherly nations, and invited Tur­­kish investors to look at Pakis­tan’s young population, strategic location and growing opportunities, and urged both sides to turn goodwill into joint ventures and jobs for young people.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026