ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Saturday that the country was preparing a draft agreement in collaboration with Turkey to grant dual nationality to the citizens of the two countries.

“The Turkish ambassador called on the interior minister last week to discuss matters of mutual interest,” foreign office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui told Arab News. “During the interaction, the question of dual nationality also came up for discussion.”

The decision to prepare the draft, she added, was taken to meet the longstanding demand of the Pakistani community in Turkey.

According to a recent statement by the interior ministry, Federal Minister for Interior Brig (r) Ijaz Ahmad Shah held a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul and resolved to work together and strengthen bilateral ties.

The Turkish ambassador on behalf of his government proposed the two countries to sign an agreement regarding the idea of giving dual nationality to the citizens, the statement added.

“In response to this, the interior minister said that the draft is under consideration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on board with us, we hope to reach a mutual conclusion soon,” said the statement.

The Turkish ambassador also expressed the hope that the process would be expedited to achieve the desired results.

According to the statement, the Turkish ambassador informed that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was scheduled to visit Pakistan during the course of this month and would be accompanied by a large delegation.

He also told the minister that the Turkish consulate in Karachi, which is still under construction, is the largest one his country had built anywhere in the world.

“It was heartening to know about the largest Turkish consulate in Karachi,” Minister Shah was quoted as saying, “and we will provide any assistance required from our end to ensure timely operation of the building.”