Pakistan wants Turkey to be part of multibillion-dollar CPEC project

KARACHI: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed on Friday that the multibillion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) be expanded to include Turkiye.

Sharif said developing the CPEC into a trilateral project with Pakistan, Turkey, and China will be advantageous for the region while speaking at a ceremony in Karachi to launch PNS Badr, the third ship under the framework of Turkey’s National Ship Project (MLGEM).

“The ongoing CPEC was set to translate regional connectivity and a trilateral arrangement with the inclusion of Turkiye could prove beneficial for the people in the region,” he said, according to the state-run APP news agency.

His remarks come just a day after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocated for enlarging the BRICS alliance, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Sharif stated that Pakistan-Turkey multi-dimensional cooperation in defence, foreign policy, and public welfare has reached new heights of friendship for the benefit of the two peoples.

The Pakistan Navy inked a contract with Turkey’s state-run defence corporation ASFAT in July 2018 to purchase four MILGEM-class ships.

Two corvettes will be built in Turkey and the following two in Pakistan, according to the plan, which also includes knowledge transfer.

According to Sharif, the inauguration of PNS Badr will boost maritime activities at the Karachi Port and Port Qasim, resulting in financial and industrial development.

He praised the efforts of the naval chief, his team, and the defence minister, calling the ship’s launch a “moment of pride for the entire Pakistani nation and the naval forces of the two countries.”

The prime minister acknowledged and praised Turkiye for always being a staunch supporter of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

“Turkiye and Pakistan as ‘one nation living in two countries and even before the creation of Pakistan, the Muslims of the sub-continent supported the cause of their Turkish brethren,” said Sharif.

According to the agency, a message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was screened, in which he told Pakistan that Turkey will provide all necessary assistance to enhance its military infrastructure.

The MILGEM vessels are 99 metres (325 feet) long and can carry 24,00 tonnes of cargo. It can travel at 29 nautical miles per hour. The anti-submarine combat frigates have the ability to hide from radar.

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi, and a large number of Pakistani and Turkish naval commanders also attended the ceremony.

Sharif will meet with Turkey’s defence minister.

Meanwhile, Sharif met with Akar and praised the two countries’ strong strategic collaboration in a variety of industries, including shipbuilding, engineering, solid waste management, and transportation.

According to an official release, he commended the Turkiye government and people for their consistent support of Pakistan’s stand on the Kashmir issue in all international forums.

Sharif instructed officials to take advantage of Turkish skills and experience in each way feasible.

“He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Turkey for their strong commitment in helping Pakistan develop robust institutions like Karachi Shipyard which has been transformed into a profit-earning organisation over the years due to Turkish support,” it said.