ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence and strategic cooperation, a military statement said on Thursday.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between General Metin Tokel, Commander of Turkish Land Forces and Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Force, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
“During the meeting, matters of mutual professional interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation were discussed,” it said.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and strategic ties between the two countries and appreciated the strong defence partnership between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Turkiye.
Earlier, upon arrival at GHQ, the visiting dignitary was presented with a Guard of Honour by the Army contingent.
The visiting dignitary also visited Naval Headquarters (NHQ), Islamabad, and called on the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
“During the meeting, matters of professional interest and the regional maritime security environment were discussed,” ISPR said.
Meanwhile, the Commander of Turkish Land Forces also called on the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Air Headquarters (AHQ), Islamabad. The meeting focused on bilateral military cooperation and matters pertaining to professional interest.
“The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged its contributions towards regional peace and stability,” the statement said.
He also expressed his commitment to further enhancing defence cooperation and institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two brotherly nations.
General Metin Tokel also held a meeting with Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif during which both sides reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye, rooted in shared history, mutual trust, strong people-to-people contact and close cooperation, said a press release.
The Turkish Chief of the Land Forces appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region.
He highlighted the importance of the Pakistan–Turkiye High-Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) as an effective platform for strengthening defence, military, and defence-industrial cooperation between the two countries.
