Erdogan lauds Pakistan’s role in regional stability

Gen Raheel witnesses military exercise with Turkish president

ISLAMABAD: Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised Pakistan Army for its successful fight against terrorism and contributions towards regional peace and stability.

The Turkish president appreciated the military’s role during a meeting with army chief General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Gen Raheel is in Turkey to witness joint military exercises in which troops from the host country, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Azerbaijan are participating.



The military’s media wing said the army chief, who visited Turkey on a special invitation from the Turkish government, witnessed the multinational military exercises named EFES in two sittings – one on Monday night and then on Tuesday.

Gen Raheel was welcomed by Turkish Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar on his arrival at the exercise area, where Turkey’s president and defence minister were also present.

According to the ISPR, Erdogan held a separate meeting with Gen Raheel and thanked him for Pakistan’s participation and his personal presence at the military exercise, which he said, would enhance the existing friendly ties between Pakistan and Turkey and their armed forces. The Turkish president also praised Pakistan Army’s accomplishments in Operation Zarb-e-Azb and contributions towards regional peace and stability.



The army chief, meanwhile, appreciated the Turkish armed forces for the outstanding military exercise of such magnitude and scope.   In a bid to share military experiences and enhance training exchanges, Pakistan Army has conducted 52 joint military exercises, both inland and abroad, with partner countries in the past three years, the ISPR statement said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2016.