Turkish Energy Minister arriving tomorrow for high level talks

ISLAMABAD: Türkiye’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, is expected to visit Islamabad to expand collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye in the energy, petroleum, and mineral sectors.
During his visit, he will hold meetings with Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ali Pervaiz Malik; Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari; and other senior officials.
Earlier on Monday, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a preparatory meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu, to finalize arrangements for the high-level Turkish delegation arriving tomorrow.
During the discussion, Minister Malik stated, “We are looking forward to welcoming the Turkish Minister and his team to Pakistan. Their visit will play a transformational role in advancing our bilateral cooperation in the energy and mining sectors.”
The meeting reviewed the growing collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye in the energy, petroleum, and mineral sectors. It was noted with satisfaction that Turkish Petroleum has joined offshore and onshore exploration activities in Pakistan, marking a major milestone in bilateral energy cooperation. The Ambassador also shared that a leading Turkish mineral sector company will be part of the visiting delegation, reflecting Türkiye’s strong interest in investing and partnering in Pakistan’s mineral development sector.
Minister Malik highlighted that Pakistan’s leading exploration companies—OGDCL, PPL, and Mari Energies—have partnered with Turkish Petroleum (TPAO), creating new opportunities for joint ventures and strengthening cooperation on the global stage.
According to official sources, during the previous meeting of the Pakistan–Türkiye Joint Working Group (JWG), both sides expressed satisfaction over the successful bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and envisaged further strengthening this partnership.
After the opening remarks by the co-chairs, experts from Pakistan presented agenda-based briefings. On the Turkish side, experts from MTA International Mining Incorporated Company (MTAIC) gave a presentation on their international operations in Sudan, Uzbekistan, and Niger, where they conduct mineral research, exploration, production, and other mining activities on behalf of Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
Both sides focused on issues relating to the power, petroleum, and mining sectors, as well as regulatory matters. Key decisions and conclusions included:
Power Sector
Agreement to continue arrangements for a technical assistance visit by TEDAS to Pakistan on power distribution, operation, and maintenance.
Pakistan shared the composition of sub-groups on the following themes, as agreed during the 6th JWG meeting:
(a) Regulatory collaboration
(b) Development of the National Electricity Plan and Integrated Energy Plan
(c) Renewable energy (including geothermal)
(d) Energy efficiency and conservation
Türkiye will share its sub-group compositions shortly. Both sides agreed to mobilize the sub-groups to begin technical discussions and report to the JWG.
Pakistan offered to organize virtual workshops on energy efficiency and conservation. Türkiye welcomed the proposal, noting that internal consultations are required.
Pakistan invited Turkish private-sector participation in the privatization bidding process of three DISCOs. Türkiye welcomed the offer and requested timely sharing of bid details.
Petroleum Sector
Pakistan offered cooperation from its SOEs—Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL)—for collaboration with Türkiye. Türkiye noted the proposal.
Pakistan highlighted OGRA’s intention to collaborate with its Turkish counterpart. Türkiye acknowledged the intent.
Pakistan shared the composition of the hydrocarbons sub-group, as agreed during the 6th JWG meeting.
Türkiye agreed to enhance cooperation with OGDCL for onshore and offshore exploration licenses through Turkish Petroleum (TPAO).
Türkiye will share its hydrocarbons sub-group composition shortly, and both sides agreed to mobilize the sub-group for technical discussions, with reporting to the JWG.
Mining Sector
Both sides agreed to establish and operationalize a professional-level mining sub-group under the JWG.
Türkiye expressed its intention to sign an MoU in the field of mining during the 7th Session of the HLSCC. Pakistan assured it would make every effort to complete the required formalities for its signing.
Both sides also reaffirmed Türkiye’s intention to sign an MoU on Energy Transition during the 7th Session of the HLSCC, with Pakistan assuring support after completion of codal requirements.