- Gen Bajwa, Turkish army chief discuss defence cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Chief of General Staff of the Republic of Turkey, General Hulusi Akar called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi here at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, where they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.
Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan was also present on the occasion.
General Akar conveyed the greetings of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the PM Abbasi and expressed satisfaction at the high-level contacts between the two countries.
The two brotherly countries supported each other within all international and regional organisations on issues of mutual interest, the general said, and added that there was a need to further increase defence cooperation with a focus on increasing contacts, training and joint exercises.
The prime minister, while reciprocating the greetings of the Turkish leadership, stated that the governments and people of Pakistan and Turkey enjoy exemplary fraternal relations. He expressed satisfaction over bilateral cooperation between the two countries and also briefed the Turkish chief of the general staff on Pakistan’s successful counter-terrorism efforts.
Both sides reiterating the close and cordial ties between Pakistan and Turkey, emphasised the need to further enhance and strengthen their brotherly relations.
General Hulusi Akar also called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday at the General Head Quarters (GHQ).
The focus of the discussion remained on areas of mutual interest, military to military relations, regional security and measures to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation.
The visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s sincere efforts and sacrifices in the war against terrorism and stability in the region. The COAS thanked the visiting general for Turkey’s unflinching support to Pakistan as recently illustrated on the FATF forum.
Earlier on arrival at the GHQ, the Turkish CGS laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A contingent of the Pak Army presented the guard of honour to General Hulusi.