Pakistan and Turkiye Strengthen Ties with New MoU
Pakistan and Turkiye have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance joint projects related to family and social security services, Pakistan’s information ministry announced on Sunday. The signing took place on the sidelines of the two-day 9th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women, hosted by Islamabad.
The MoU was signed during a meeting between Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Turkish Minister for Family and Social Services Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas. According to the information ministry, the agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the field of family, social services, and social security.
Focus on Women Empowerment and Family Welfare
The two ministers agreed to strengthen family welfare, women’s rights, social security, and institutional cooperation. They also committed to exchanging experiences and advancing joint policy initiatives, particularly in protecting families and promoting the rights of women and children in the digital space.
The conference, held under the theme “Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and the Way Forward,” brings together ministers responsible for women and family affairs, senior government officials, representatives of OIC institutions, international organizations, and development partners.
Bilateral Meetings on Women’s Rights
Separately, Tarar met with Dr. Maimunah Al-Khalil, Secretary General of Saudi Arabia’s Family Affairs Council, to discuss women empowerment, strengthening the family system, and OIC cooperation. The Pakistani ministry stated that both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and joint cooperation on the OIC platform.
Tarar also held talks with Iranian Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Dr. Zahra Behrouz Azar. The two leaders agreed to further strengthen historical, religious, cultural, and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran and to take joint steps to promote women’s rights.
Focus on Women in Palestine and Afghanistan
The meeting with the Iranian vice president decided to highlight the plight of women in Palestine and Afghanistan on the OIC platform, aiming to adopt a joint action plan for their welfare. Azar also welcomed Pakistan’s upcoming two-year chairmanship of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women.
Delegates from all 57 OIC member states are attending the conference to review progress on women’s rights, share national policies, and adopt new frameworks.
