RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir underscored the need to enhance defense ties and training cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement on Wednesday.
The military’s communication division mentioned that during his official trip to Turkey, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) stressed the importance of strengthening defense relations in meetings with top Turkish officials.
This visit is part of a series of high-level reciprocal visits by these two fraternal nations aimed at strengthening their long-standing diplomatic and military bonds.
Throughout the visit, Gen Munir had meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as well as the foreign and defense ministers, the commander of the Turkish general staff, and the commanders of the Turkish land and air forces.
According to ISPR, Gen Munir lauded the Turkish military’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region and commended the operational readiness standards of the Turkish armed forces.
“The Turkish leadership acknowledged the contributions of Pakistan Army Engineers who collaborated with teams from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) during the unfortunate earthquake in Turkey earlier this year,” ISPR added.
Additionally, the Army Chief paid his respects to the revered leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk by visiting his mausoleum in Ankara and laying a floral wreath in his honor.
Subsequently, at the Turkish land forces headquarters, Gen Munir received a guard of honor upon his arrival.
In recognition of his efforts to promote defense relations between the two nations, the Turkish Defense Minister and Commander of Turkish Land Forces awarded the Army Chief with the Legion of Merit.
“The strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkey have always endured the test of time. The Pakistan Army remains committed to offering comprehensive support to the Turkish Land Forces across various domains. Pakistan has consistently stood by its Turkish brethren in times of crisis and triumph and is dedicated to further fortifying the fraternal bonds between the two nations,” emphasized the Army Chief.
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