Pak-Turkiye Joint Launch of PNS Tariq for Pak Navy – Pakistan Invites Turkiye to Join CPEC

KARACHI: 02 Aug 2023 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along-side Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, jointly launched PNS Tariq Corvette, at a ceremony held today in Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, Karachi.

Addressing the ceremony, PM Sharif appreciated the close defence collaboration between the brotherly countries. He referred to the ‘MILGEM’ project based on joint collaboration between the two countries, as a significant milestone in the Pakistan-Türkiye strategic partnership.

He underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral defence cooperation in new and emerging technologies and joint defence production.

Echoing the warm bilateral sentiments, Vice President Yilmaz shared the desire to further deepen the special bilateral relationship, solidifying it through strategic and economic cooperation.

The launching ceremony for the first MILGEM Corvette PNS Babur was performed in Istanbul in August 2021, second MILGEM Corvette PNS Badr in Karachi in May 2022, and third MILGEM Corvette PNS Khaiber in November 2022 in Istanbul. PNS Tariq is the fourth MILGEM Corvette.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has invited Pakistan and Turkey to expand relations in various fields including defense and to join CPEC, saying that CPEC is a game changer project which is being worked on rapidly. It is required that Pakistan and Turkey further expand strategic cooperation, the Maljum class corvette project is a good example of the close relationship between the two countries, the government will take all measures to meet the defense needs of the Pakistan Navy.

Vice President of Turkey Judat Yilmaz said that Pakistan and Turkey have supported each other in every difficulty and Turkish people attach great importance to Pakistan. After the devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkey, the people and government of Pakistan expressed full solidarity with the people of Turkey. Our relationship is getting stronger day by day and defense sector is an important part of this vision. Pakistan’s location in South Asia is very important. This area has been the focus of global attention.

Turkey and Pakistan face various challenges including cross-border terrorism. In the current situation, relations between Pakistan and Turkey have become more important. The people of Pakistan and Turkey have always supported each other. Judat Yilmaz, while condemning the terrorist incident in Bajaur, said that Turkey is against all kinds of terrorism because it is a threat to global peace and security and we condemn terrorism. They fully support Pakistan’s actions against terrorism. Turkey has been fighting against terrorism for 40 years. Therefore, we are well aware of the difficulties faced by the people of Pakistan and the sacrifices they have made against terrorism. We need to be united and differentiate between terrorists and ordinary people.

He is delighted to be a part of the launching ceremony of the fourth and final frigate of the Maljum class. While Turkey helped Pakistan in the flood, Pakistan’s cooperation in the earthquake was exemplary. He said that Turkey has achieved a unique position in the world due to its defense capability and we have reduced foreign dependence on our defense industry. In 2002, our defense projects were only 60, now their number has increased to 8500. Our defense exports are steadily increasing. Turkey has joined the 10 countries that are producing warships and we also export defense equipment to developed countries. Turkey will continue to cooperate to increase Pakistan’s defense capabilities.

Turkish Deputy Minister of Defense Dr. Jamal Sami said that the joint project of preparing 4 warships is an excellent example of cooperation in defense sectors. Pakistan and Turkey should start more projects. Both countries should increase the volume of mutual trade. Together with Pakistan will participate in the preparation of Jinnah class frigate. Managing Director of Karachi Shipyard Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas also addressed the event. At the end of the ceremony, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, Chief of the Pakistan Navy, presented the model of the warship PNS Tariq to Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Turkish Vice President Jodut Yilmaz.

Chief of Pakistan Navy Admiral Amjad Niazi said that both countries have always supported each other in difficult times. I congratulate the engineers and experts on the launch of PNS Tariq. The induction of PNS Tariq is an excellent addition to the naval capability. Joint projects between Pakistan and Turkey will further strengthen the defense sector. Relations between Pakistan and Turkey are unique. Karachi Shipyard is the only shipyard in the country which is manufacturing ships from domestic resources. Integrated naval capability is indispensable for maritime needs.

After the ceremony, Vice President Yilmaz called on Prime Minister Sharif. The two leaders held discussion on wide-ranging issues encompassing bilateral relations, the regional situation and other areas of mutual interest. Appreciating the strong bilateral cooperation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of transforming the brotherly relations into mutually rewarding trade and economic ties. He underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts and joint collaborations in R&D, IT, energy, infrastructure, food security, tourism and mining sectors. Both the leaders agreed to continue close coordination and engagement through well-established bilateral mechanisms to continue with the upwards trajectory of bilateral relations.