Türkiye will extend technical cooperation to Pakistan regarding the production of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, according to Türkiye's ambassador, Dr. Irfan Nezirolu. During a meeting with Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, the ambassador stated that a Turkish technical delegation will visit to explore the collaboration.
Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had decided to seek Turkish support to develop Pakistan's domestic FMD vaccine production capacity. According to a statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday, livestock development and domestic vaccine production were identified as major priorities during the meeting.
A key focus of the discussions was capacity building and technical training. Pakistan intends to send an initial group of about 30 participants to Türkiye under a proposed training programme for 100 trainees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified potential Turkish institutions, and coordination with the Higher Education Commission is currently underway to finalise universities, priority disciplines, and arrangements.
Both sides discussed findings from recent exchanges between livestock experts, which included a visit by a Pakistani delegation to study Türkiye's sector. That delegation is currently preparing a report on practical areas for adopting relevant Turkish expertise.
The cooperation on disease control and vaccine production is linked to Pakistan's ambition to widen access to international meat markets, particularly Türkiye, and to establish disease-free zones. Both sides noted that domestic vaccine output and better animal health standards would expand the potential for livestock and meat exports.
The meeting also reviewed previous support from TIKA for an olive oil facility in Muzaffarabad, which has reportedly benefited about 5,000 farmers. Pakistan expressed interest in similar projects in the olive-producing areas of Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Chakwal, and Attock, focusing on value addition, processing, and improved market opportunities. Dr. Nezirolu offered to facilitate links with Turkish universities, specifically those specialising in agriculture.
