Türkiye Ambassador Highlights Role of Media in Strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye Ties

Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu, emphasized the pivotal role of the Pakistan Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad in fostering bilateral economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.

During a meeting with a delegation of media leaders at the Turkish Embassy, Ambassador Neziroglu stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in trade, tourism, and institutional connectivity. He highlighted the potential for international trade conferences and collaborative activities to be facilitated through the NPC platform in the near future.

The delegation included prominent figures such as PFUJ President Muhammad Afzal Butt, NPC President Azhar Jatoi, Secretary NPC Nayyar Ali, and RIUJ President Tariq Ali Virk, among others.

Ambassador Neziroglu lauded the historical significance of Pakistan-Türkiye relations, tracing their roots to Pakistan’s independence and noting the strengthened ties during the eras of former Prime Ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Zia-ul-Haq. He also underlined the shared demographic advantage of a youthful population in both countries, which he described as a driving force for future economic and cultural collaboration.

“We are working to deepen bilateral trade, strengthen tourism, and enhance connectivity between the young populations of both nations,” the ambassador remarked. He acknowledged the strong people-to-people ties and emphasized ongoing collaboration with Pakistani institutions, chambers of commerce, and higher education entities.

Highlighting untapped trade potential, Ambassador Neziroglu called for increasing the current trade volume between the two nations. He expressed support for PFUJ and NPC’s proposal to host joint conferences on trade and tourism, viewing such initiatives as a step toward fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

The ambassador also underscored the role of Türkiye’s International Cooperation Organization (TİKA) in development projects and showed interest in Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality sectors. He commended NPC’s community engagement efforts, such as activities for children and families during Ramadan, and expressed willingness to support journalist exchange programs between the two countries.

Ambassador Neziroglu assured the delegation of his commitment to strengthening ties and welcomed suggestions from PFUJ President Afzal Butt, NPC President Azhar Jatoi, and other members of the delegation.