ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye have stressed the importance of further strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations, with a special focus on training and joint military drills.
This came during a meeting between Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, General Levent ERGÜN, and Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s navy.
During the meeting, both sides discussed professional matters of mutual interest, the evolving regional maritime security environment amid the ongoing Israel–US–Iran tensions, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation.
The Chief of the Naval Staff highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s contributions to ensuring regional maritime security.
In response, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, General Levent Ergün, appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s role and efforts in promoting collaborative maritime stability.
Deputy Chief of General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces, General Levent Ergün called on CNS Adm Naveed Ashraf at NHQ Islamabad. Professional matters, regional maritime security and military cooperation were discussed. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/8I20S3xlxz
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) April 7, 2026
The visit reflects the deep-rooted strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye, as well as their shared commitment to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment.
Earlier, upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, the visiting dignitary was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
It may be recalled that in February 2026, the Pakistan Navy conducted a bilateral Exercise TURGUTREIS-XIII with the Turkish Naval Force to enhance maritime cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan and Turkiye maintain close and robust diplomatic, economic, and defence relations, with military cooperation forming a major pillar of their partnership.
In December 2025, a high-level delegation of Turkish aerospace and defence manufacturers visited Pakistan to explore joint ventures, co-production, and technology-sharing opportunities.
In August 2025, the navies of both countries conducted their first bilateral amphibious exercise to strengthen maritime coordination.
Turkish defence firms have played a key role in modernising Pakistan’s Agosta 90B-class submarines and have supplied Islamabad with advanced military hardware, including drones.
