ISLAMABAD: A high-level Turkish delegation has expressed strong interest in expanding strategic partnerships with Pakistan, particularly in oil and gas exploration, energy infrastructure, and the mining sector—key areas expected to drive the shared target of USD 5 billion in bilateral trade.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met on Tuesday with Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, for delegation-level talks focused on deepening energy cooperation. The Turkish team included Deputy Minister Ahmet Berat, the Director General of MTIAC, the Director General of TPAO, and other senior officials.
Minister Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep respect for its longstanding brotherly ties with Türkiye, noting that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan share a relationship rooted in trust and friendship. He said this spirit guides Pakistan’s commitment to expand cooperation across strategic sectors.
Minister Bayraktar highlighted the renewed momentum in bilateral relations, noting that this was his third visit to Pakistan in a short period. “President Erdogan asked me to return quickly—and today I am here with tangible, solid projects,” he remarked. He underscored Türkiye’s plans to pursue additional ventures in Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration, energy infrastructure, and mining sector, stressing that these areas will significantly contribute to achieving the USD 5 billion trade goal.
Referencing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Conference, Bayraktar said the event showcased Pakistan’s vast mineral wealth. “This is why I have brought a Turkish mining company with me,” he added. “It marks a milestone for Türkiye as we enter Pakistan’s mining sector with the aim of building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.”
During the meeting, the Managing Directors of Mari Energies, OGDCL, and PPL delivered detailed presentations on ongoing and planned initiatives, highlighting promising collaboration opportunities. The MD OGDCL briefed the delegation on the company’s core operations, its role in the Reko Diq project, Pakistan’s first shale gas pilot, and ongoing tight gas activities. He invited Turkish companies to join OGDCL’s unconventional hydrocarbon program as both joint-venture and technology partners.
Both ministers agreed to open the Turkish Petroleum office in Islamabad this month, staffed by ten Turkish nationals alongside local personnel. They also discussed the possibility of creating a joint trading company to procure petroleum for both countries more efficiently.
Reaffirming their shared commitment, the two sides agreed to expand investment facilitation and unlock the full potential of Pakistan-Türkiye energy cooperation. Following the meeting, the ministers proceeded together to the Prime Minister House for the signing of multiple agreements.
Story by Wasim Iqbal
