ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP): A high-level delegation from the Republic of Turkiye held extensive talks with Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Shahid Iqbal Baloch, and senior officials to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in science, technology, innovation and applied research, with a focus on translating partnerships into concrete national and industrial outcomes.
The Turkiye side was led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Muhammet Kasim Gonullu, along with Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Pakistan Irfan Neziroglu.
The meeting, convened under the framework of scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries, reviewed ongoing initiatives and highlighted Pakistan’s progress in converting international collaboration into measurable scientific, industrial and socio-economic gains.
Both sides noted that the expanding cooperation aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi to promote innovation-driven growth, industrial modernization and a knowledge-based economy.
The officials underscored that science diplomacy has emerged as a key pillar of the broader Pakistan–Turkiye strategic partnership.
The discussions reviewed progress across several priority sectors, including halal certification frameworks aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s global trade competitiveness, cooperation in legal and scientific metrology to strengthen national quality infrastructure, standardization efforts to improve international market access, and joint research programmes connecting leading institutions of both countries.
The particular emphasis was placed on the Pakistan Science Foundation and TUBITAK partnership, which was described as a flagship example of successful international research cooperation.
Since the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2013, four joint research calls have generated 270 collaborative proposals, with 33 high-quality projects funded in areas such as energy, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, electric vehicles, food technologies and oceanography.
These initiatives were noted for building research capacity, developing skilled human resources and facilitating knowledge transfer between the two nations.
Federal Secretary, Shahid Iqbal Baloch said MoST is systematically expanding international scientific partnerships that deliver practical results and directly support Pakistan’s development priorities.
He added that the Ministry’s coordinated approach has positioned Pakistan as a credible and outcome-oriented partner within global innovation networks.
The Turkiye delegation appreciated MoST’s institutional continuity and results-focused cooperation model, expressing confidence in further expanding collaboration, particularly in emerging and frontier technologies.
Both sides agreed to scale up joint initiatives, explore new areas of advanced research and innovation, and strengthen linkages in technology commercialization and science-based entrepreneurship, reaffirming their commitment to a long-term, strategic partnership in science and technology.