Rationales behind Pakistan–Turkey relations since September 11, 2001

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article aims to explore relations between Pakistan and Turkey, who have emerged as two strong Muslim powers in military terms since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. It is, argues the article, not enough to provide only a general sketch of the bilateral relationship between these countries; rather, an in-depth and systematic analysis is needed. Traditionally these states had developed close relations even before the 9/11; yet, in terms of core security and strategic interests, those relations were not significant until 2001 when global terrorism forced the two countries to reconsider their mutual interests and shared responsibilities. Two fundamental factors, namely security and strategic interests, have led them to co-operate in three different areas – counter-terrorism, Pakistan-Afghanistan-Turkey Trilateral Summits (PATTS), and long-term defence cooperation. Nonetheless, PATTS, which aims to ameliorate Pak-Afghan relations, still has some limitations. To make them fruitful, Turkey needs to focus on advanced mechanisms, such as a strategic partnership, flexible consensus, and bilateral crisis management system that could serve to normalise inter-state relations.