https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, May 23 (Alliance News): Pakistan and Türkiye on Friday reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation in both offshore and onshore energy exploration, alongside advancing joint initiatives in the development of critical minerals.
During a meeting in Islamabad, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Irfan Neziroglu discussed deepening collaboration across the entire energy value chain, with particular focus on exploration, joint ventures, and investment in strategic mineral resources.
Minister Malik expressed deep gratitude for Türkiye’s unwavering support during the recent Pakistan-India tensions. “The Pakistan-Türkiye friendship has passed every test of time with flying colors,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated President Erdogan’s steadfast solidarity. “The people of Pakistan reciprocate this brotherhood with the same affection,” he added.
Ambassador Neziroglu echoed this sentiment, calling the relationship a “time-tested brotherhood” and commending Pakistan’s responsible diplomatic approach. He also noted a growing awareness among the youth in both countries about their shared heritage and historical ties.
The minister emphasized the immense opportunities available for collaboration in the oil, gas, and mineral sectors. He said that stronger cooperation could bring in advanced technology, increased foreign investment, and greater economic integration between the two nations.
Malik highlighted recent milestones, including Türkiye’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) provisionally securing two onshore blocks—Ziarat North in Balochistan and Sukhpur-II in Sindh—following Pakistan’s May 13, 2025, bidding round.
In the Ziarat North block, MariEnergies holds 33.16% (operator), OGDCL 24.87%, PPL 24.87%, TPOC 10%, and GHPL 7.10%. In the Sukhpur-II block, Prime leads with 25% (operator), followed by OGDCL (30%), MariEnergies (30%), and TPOC (15%).
He further informed that Turkish Petroleum has signed a Joint Bidding Agreement with a consortium of leading Pakistani firms—MariEnergies, OGDCL, and PPL—to participate in Pakistan’s upcoming Offshore Bid Round 2025.
Ambassador Neziroglu praised Pakistan’s conducive policy framework and investment environment, expressing optimism about further collaboration, particularly in the mining and energy sectors. Both sides agreed to accelerate discussions on joint exploration projects and work closely in the area of critical minerals essential for modern technologies and industry.
