Online International Conference on Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Partnership & Prospects for Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation jointly organized by Center of Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad & Center for Diplomatic Affairs & Political Studies (DIPAM), Turkey


On 25th November 2020, Online International Conference on Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Partnership & Prospects for Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation was jointly organized by Center of Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad & Center for Diplomatic Affairs & Political Studies (DIPAM), Turkey.
The conference aimed to highlight the significance of cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, especially for the young generation of Pakistan. Furthermore, to help the young students to learn more about Turkey-Pakistan relations and its geostrategic, economic, and social significance.
The online international conference was commenced with the opening remarks of Brigadier Akhtar Nawaz Janjua (Retd), Senior Member Advisory Board, CGSS. He welcomed all the panelists from Turkey and Pakistan and stated that Turkey has always supported Pakistan and has been at the forefront to help Pakistan in any issue whether it is of Kashmir or in any other calamity. He also stated that these types of conferences will help in strengthening people to people contact and enhance the cordial relations of Pakistan and Turkey.
Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, Former Member of Parliament and Member of Turkey-Pakistan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Turkey expressed his gratitude for organizing this conference. He recalled his experience of studying in Pakistan and praised the hospitality of the Pakistani people. Discussing the current relations of both countries he stated that, Pakistan and turkey must also work towards establishing business cooperation as this sector has great potential.
Mr. Burhan also highlighted that Pakistan must have more representation on international forums especially in the Asian parliamentary assembly, Pakistan can greatly contribute to these forums and also raise the Kashmir issue for increased international cooperation. He concluded by saying that Pakistan and Turkey enjoy brotherly ties and the people of both countries have always been close and supportive of each other.
Prof Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Punjab, Lahore highlighted the cultural and historical similarities between Turkey and Pakistan. He specifically mentioned the admiration for Allama Iqbal and Rumi present in both countries.
He highlighted the admiration of Turkish culture, food, and entertainment industry in Pakistan and suggested that by increasing diplomatic activities between both countries we can achieve an ideal relationship with our friends in Turkey.
Discussing the academic cooperation between both countries he stated that in the future increased student and teacher exchange programs should be encouraged and various scholarships must be introduced for the cultural and academic exchange between Turkey and Pakistan.
Prof Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar further highlighted that people to people contact is the basis of all diplomatic ties. If people understand each other in a better manner and learn about the culture and historical ties of both countries, it can facilitate the establishment of social, cultural, political, and economic cooperation in the region.
Mr. Mehmet Emre Aktuna, Regional Development Expert, Turkey extended his gratitude to CGSS and DIPAM for organizing the online conference he stated that this online event will act as an opportunity to enhance brotherhood between both countries. He highlighted that from the last two decades an unbreakable bond has been created between Pakistan and Turkey as we have seen support on cultural, political, and academic grounds. He highlighted certain areas of concern in the diplomatic ties between Turkey & Pakistan and enlightened the audience with constructive Policy Options for both countries to work towards enhanced bilateral ties.
He further stated that the leadership of Turkey and Pakistan is very optimistic to cooperate and it is time that our brotherhood is seen in practical ideas and projects.
Mr. Mehmet Emre Aktuna suggested that both countries should increase their bilateral ties in the fields of military partnership, tourism, cultural connectivity, the IT sector, research and development, and trade opportunities. Major General Dr. Shahid Hashmat, Ph.D., (Retd), Senior Advisory Board Member, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad gave a comprehensive presentation on the topic. He highlighted that the bilateral ties of Pakistan & Turkey are many generations old and we share a common culture and historical background.
Furthermore, Turkey was one of the earliest states to recognize Pakistan’s independence, and both countries have always supported each other at international forums. He mentioned Turkey’s support for Pakistan regarding the Kashmir issue.
Suggesting steps for further improving the diplomatic ties between both countries, he advised that both states need to facilitate and promote people to people contact. Secondly, cooperation and collaboration in research, education, and technology are very important. Moreover, enhancing bilateral commerce and trade is also an important aspect, and Governments of both countries should provide special incentives for these investments. Similarly, to promote tourism, a policy of visa-on-arrival should be introduced.
The conference was concluded with the closing remarks of Mr. Tolga Sakman, Chairman, Center for Diplomatic Affairs & Political Studies (DIPAM), Istanbul stated that Turkey hopes to see the multilateral benefits of Pakistan & Turkey's Bilateral partnership and Turkey and Pakistan must strengthen its cultural and political cooperation. He thanked the panelists from Pakistan and Turkey and stated that CGSS and DIPAM hope to contribute to increasing the bilateral and diplomatic ties of Pakistan and Turkey.
The online international conference was moderated by Ms. Laraib Fatima Hassan, Communication & Coordination Manager, CGSS, and was attended by 60 participants from Pakistan and Turkey. The conference was also viewed live on Facebook.

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