ISLAMABAD, Thursday, January 29, 2026 (WNP): The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of agriculture and rural development, as its Country Coordinator, Saliha Tuna, paid a visit to the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) in Islamabad.

During the visit, Saliha Tuna met with Director General NARC Dr. Khalid Mahmood and senior members of his team to review the progress of ongoing collaborative initiatives and to explore new avenues for future partnerships.

The discussions focused on strengthening institutional linkages, sharing technical expertise, and identifying innovative projects for improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

According to officials familiar with the meeting, both sides reflected on their long-standing partnership and underscored the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing common challenges such as food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices. The exchange also highlighted the potential for joint initiatives that could translate shared expertise into practical, high-impact projects benefiting farming communities across Pakistan.

TIKA, which has been actively engaged in development cooperation projects in Pakistan, has supported a range of initiatives in agriculture, education, health, and capacity building. The visit to NARC was seen as part of broader efforts to align future cooperation with Pakistan’s development priorities, particularly in the agriculture sector, which remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy and rural employment.

Dr. Khalid Mahmood briefed the visiting delegation on NARC’s research activities, ongoing programmes, and future plans, emphasizing the role of scientific research and innovation in enhancing agricultural sustainability and resilience.

He appreciated TIKA’s continued support and expressed optimism about expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Both sides expressed confidence that the shared vision for agricultural advancement and rural development would lead to the launch of new, impactful projects in the coming period. The engagement, officials noted, reflects the strong and growing development partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye, rooted in close bilateral relations and a shared commitment to sustainable development.