Turkish Ambassador Meeting with Minister MNFSR Rana Tanveer Hussain
The Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, met with the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain. During the Turkish Ambassador meeting, discussions were held on measures to operationalize bilateral cooperation in sectors including agriculture, livestock, vaccine production, workforce training, and the export of value-added food products.
Both sides expressed a commitment to fostering stronger ties among relevant ministries, universities, institutions, and technical experts, with the aim of translating the long-standing strategic relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye into concrete, practical projects.
Focus of Turkish Ambassador Meeting
Special emphasis was placed on capacity building and technical training. The Pakistani side informed the Turkish Ambassador that, out of a proposed group of 100 trainees, there is a plan to initially send approximately 30 individuals to Türkiye. Potential training institutions in Türkiye have already been identified through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while coordination with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) is underway to finalize the selection of suitable universities, priority sectors, and training modalities.
The Turkish Ambassador offered his personal support in establishing direct links with Turkish universities that possess expertise in the agricultural sector. The development of the livestock sector and the local production of vaccines for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) were key topics of discussion.
Turkish Expertise for FMD Vaccine Development
The Federal Minister stated that the Prime Minister has decided to seek technical assistance from Türkiye for the local production of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines in Pakistan. Expressing a willingness to cooperate in this regard, the Turkish Ambassador confirmed that a delegation of Turkish technical experts would visit Pakistan to assess the potential for mutual collaboration.
Pakistani Delegation Visit to Turkiye
During the discussions, recent exchanges between Pakistani and Turkish livestock experts—including a visit by a Pakistani delegation to Turkey to study its livestock sector—were also reviewed. The delegation is currently preparing a report to identify actionable measures for Pakistan, drawing upon Turkey’s experiences.
وزیراعظم کی ہدایت پر پاکستانی لائیوسٹاک وفد کا ترکیہ کا دورہ
Future Cooperation
Both sides linked cooperation in controlling Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and developing vaccines to the establishment of disease-free zones and the expansion of Pakistani meat exports. It was emphasized that effective control of animal diseases and the local production of vaccines would enhance access for Pakistani meat to international markets, particularly Turkey.
Both parties agreed that bilateral cooperation should move beyond mere expressions of goodwill, transitioning instead into tangible progress through the engagement of technical teams, the strengthening of institutional linkages, and the implementation of joint initiatives.
