COAS for enhancing Pak-Turkish defence collaboration

Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) Gen Asim Munir met civil and military leadership in Turkey and laid stress on enhancing defence collaboration and training cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye, ISPR said on Wednesday.

The Army Chief is on a visit to Türkiye as part of a high-level tour to enhance the historic diplomatic and military ties.

He met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, foreign and defence ministers, Turkish forces head, the military media wing said, adding that the  COAS laid emphasis on enhancing defence collaboration and training cooperation.

He appreciated the Turkish Military’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region and also praised the standards of operational readiness of Turkish armed forces.

The Turkish leadership acknowledged Pakistan's contribution to the rescue and relief mission after the February earthquake.

The COAS visited the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal in Ankara. He laid a wreath and paid tribute to the legendary figure.

The Pak Army chief was presented with the guard of honour during his visit to Turkish Land Forces Headquarters and also conferred with the Legion of Merit by the Minister of Defence and Commander Turkish Land Forces in recognition of his services in promoting defence relations between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, the COAS said:  “Pakistan and Türkiye have strong brotherly relations and the two states have a history of standing by each other in tough times.

“Pakistan Army is always willing to extend full support to the Turkish Land Forces in multiple domains. Pakistanis have always stood by Turkish brothers  and will continue to do so.”