Pakistan-Turkey Bilateral Relations: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Pakistan and Turkey have maintained strong ties ever since Pakistan's independence thanks to shared interests, and cultural, spiritual, and trade ties. To ensure a successful presence on the global market and to develop various trade agreements, the two brother countries have already been working together to deepen their trade cooperation. Since the formation of Pakistan, relations with Turkey have been very positive and cordial. The worldviews of the two nations are similar on a variety of global and regional concerns. Religious, cultural, and historical ties unite Pakistan and Turkey. Additionally, both nations are in crucial geostrategic regions and are significant countries within the Muslim world due to their political, economic, and military prowess. Despite Islamabad and Ankara experiencing warm feelings, they were unable to translate them into solid economic and trade ties. This paper employing a qualitative research approach and using a chronological historical survey examines how and why bilateral relations have changed over time, as well as how and why two nations' shared cultural and religious identities and security concerns have prevented them from developing into robust economic relationships. It will also investigate which of these elements persisted throughout time and examine the opportunities and challenges in their future relations.