ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, July 29, 2025 (WNP): Türkiye’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, on Tuesday visited the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) and held wide-ranging discussions with Chairperson Dr. Najeeba Arif in a bid to further strengthen cultural diplomacy and literary collaboration.

The meeting was also attended by renowned Turkish writer and Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Pakistan, Dr. Halil Toker, and PAL’s Director General, Sultan Muhammad Nawaz Nasir.

Discussions centered on deepening literary and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye, with both sides expressing strong interest in launching new translation projects, joint publications, and literary exchanges.

Dr. Najeeba Arif briefed the Turkish envoy on PAL’s ongoing initiatives, including the promotion of regional languages, author welfare programs, and collaborations with international literary institutions. She highlighted the Academy’s legacy of engagement with Turkish literature, citing a 1991 publication on legendary Turkish poet Yunus Emre and a 2022 book titled “Dr. Halil Toker: Shakhsiyat aur Funn”, featured in the acclaimed series “Pakistani Adab ke Me’maar.”

She also noted PAL’s regular inclusion of Turkish works in its quarterly literary journal Adabiyat, and the active participation of Turkish scholars in literary conferences hosted in Pakistan.

Ambassador Dr. Neziroglu expressed appreciation for the enduring literary, cultural, and historical ties between the two brotherly nations.

“These connections go beyond diplomacy—they are rooted in shared values, cultural affinity, and mutual admiration,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of renewed institutional partnerships between the Yunus Emre Institute and PAL, including collaborative translation efforts and co-hosted literary festivals to celebrate shared cultural icons and promote people-to-people understanding.

Dr. Najeeba Arif also acknowledged the vital role of Turkish scholars in advancing Urdu literature, praising the academic contributions of Dr. Halil Toker, Dr. Asuman Belen Özcan, and Dr. Dawood Shahbaz.

Looking ahead, the two institutions agreed to explore joint literary ventures, including publications and cultural events in the coming months, to showcase the literary richness of both nations.

The meeting concluded with a ceremonial exchange of publications, as Dr. Najeeba Arif presented selected PAL books to Ambassador Neziroglu and Dr. Halil Toker, symbolizing a deepening literary friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye.