Türkiye to begin offshore oil exploration in Pakistan, says Foreign Minister Fidan
Türkiye and Pakistan to Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Joint Offshore Energy Exploration
Ankara and Islamabad are poised to enhance their strategic relationship through a groundbreaking energy agreement that allows Turkish companies to jointly explore offshore oil and gas reserves in Pakistan. The pact also paves the way for expanded cooperation in trade, defense, and the establishment of a special economic zone for investors.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced the developments during an official visit to Islamabad, where he spoke alongside Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar at a joint press conference on July 9, 2025.
Fidan underscored Türkiye’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Pakistan, especially in sectors such as mining, oil, natural gas, and rare earth elements. He highlighted a recent energy deal signed in April between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Pakistan’s national oil entities, describing it as a landmark step in their bilateral energy cooperation.
“This agreement enables Turkish and Pakistani companies to conduct joint exploration in Pakistan’s offshore areas, marking an unprecedented milestone in our energy partnership,” Fidan stated.
On the trade front, both countries aim to raise their bilateral trade volume to $5 billion. Fidan described the ongoing efforts as part of a more structured and institutionalised cooperation framework.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing plans to deepen collaboration across multiple sectors including the economy, defense industry, energy, and infrastructure development. Praising Türkiye’s defense capabilities, Dar expressed Islamabad’s interest in strengthening strategic and defense ties, particularly in counterterrorism capacity-building.
Dar also revealed that Turkish firms will participate in Pakistan’s privatization of power distribution companies, further cementing economic ties.
In addition, the two nations are working toward the creation of a special economic zone for Turkish investors in Karachi and Istanbul, fostering closer business integration. Dar mentioned ongoing efforts to benefit from Turkish expertise in areas like ship breaking, storage, and efficient agricultural water use.
Notably, the two sides agreed to revive the joint ministerial commission after an 11-year pause. This commission, to be co-chaired by Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, will help lay the groundwork for the eighth session of the Strategic Cooperation Council scheduled for next year in Türkiye.
