ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed the deep-rooted and enduring friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye, describing Pakistan as a sincere and steadfast ally and vowing that relations between the two countries would continue to grow stronger with time.
Furthermore, President Erdogan said the friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye was based on shared history, mutual trust, and brotherhood, and would remain intact for generations to come.
He added that bilateral relations had continued to strengthen over the years and would further deepen in the future. Moreover, the Turkish president announced that the modern warship PNS Khyber was being handed over to the Pakistan Navy following the successful completion of all sea trials.
He said the induction of the vessel indicated another important milestone in defense cooperation between the two countries.
In addition, President Erdogan noted that an agreement had been signed to construct four MILGEM-class corvettes to meet the operational requirements of the Pakistan Navy.
He said the project was progressing successfully and reflected the strong collaboration between the defense industries of Türkiye and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Erdogan said the first ship under the agreement, PNS Babur, had already been delivered to Pakistan on May 24, 2024.
He added that the third vessel, PNS Badr, was scheduled to be handed over by the end of June 2026, while the fourth ship, PNS Tariq, would be delivered in the first quarter of 2027. The Turkish president said the state-of-the-art warships, equipped with modern technology, would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy.
He focused on that the MILGEM project was not only a symbol of growing defense cooperation but also a reflection of shared strategic interests and mutual confidence between the two nations.
So far, President Erdogan concluded his speech by once again underscoring the historical and brotherly nature of Pakistan-Türkiye relations.
He said the bond between the two countries was unbreakable and rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation, adding that these ties would continue to expand across multiple fields in the years ahead.
