ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 23, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan and Türkiye on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation in energy exploration and the development of critical minerals, marking a renewed phase in bilateral economic engagement.
The pledge came during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu, where both sides underscored the importance of collaboration across the entire energy value chain — including joint ventures in offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, and investment in strategic mineral resources vital to modern industries.
Minister Malik thanked Türkiye for its steadfast support during the recent India-Pakistan tensions, describing the bilateral relationship as a “brotherhood that has withstood the test of time.” He conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s gratitude for Ankara’s solidarity, particularly lauding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his unwavering backing of Pakistan on key international issues.
> “The people of Pakistan reciprocate this brotherhood with immense warmth and admiration,” Malik said.
Ambassador Neziroglu echoed these sentiments, describing Pakistan and Türkiye as “time-tested brothers.” He praised Pakistan’s measured and responsible conduct during the recent regional crisis, and noted the growing awareness among the youth in both countries regarding their shared historical and cultural heritage.
In discussing economic collaboration, Minister Malik highlighted the vast untapped potential in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors. He emphasized that enhanced cooperation could drive technology transfer, attract foreign direct investment, and promote deeper economic integration between the two nations.
He announced that Türkiye’s state-owned energy giant, Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), had been provisionally awarded two onshore exploration blocks—Ziarat North in Balochistan and Sukhpur-II in Sindh—following the May 13, 2025, bidding round.
Block compositions:
* Ziarat North: MariEnergies (33.16%, operator), OGDCL (24.87%), PPL (24.87%), TPOC (10%), GHPL (7.10%)
* Sukhpur-II: Prime (25%, operator), OGDCL (30%), MariEnergies (30%), TPOC (15%)
Malik also revealed that Turkish Petroleum has signed a Joint Bidding Agreement with MariEnergies, OGDCL, and PPL to participate in Pakistan’s upcoming Offshore Bid Round 2025—an initiative expected to attract significant international interest.
Ambassador Neziroglu reaffirmed Türkiye’s interest in expanding its footprint in Pakistan’s energy and mining sectors. He praised Pakistan’s policy framework and investment climate, expressing confidence in the trajectory of bilateral economic cooperation.
> “We see Pakistan as a trusted partner with enormous potential, and we are committed to fostering long-term collaborations that benefit both nations,” he stated.
The two sides agreed to accelerate dialogue on joint exploration projects and critical mineral cooperation, recognizing their growing importance for global industrial and technological progress.
