Turkey, Azerbaijan laud Pakistan efforts for Afghan peace

Officials in Turkey and Azerbaijan on Wednesday appreciated Pakistan for its role in promoting peace in the region, especially the country’s efforts for bringing stability in Afghanistan.

They made such views during Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s separate visits to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

COAS Gen Qamar had met Turkish Defence Minister General (retd) Hulusi Akar during his day-long visit to Turkey and discussed matters of mutual interest including the Afghan peace process, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Turkish General Staff Commander General Yasar Guler and Turkish Land Forces Commander General Umit Dundar were also in attendance.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interests, regional security situation including recent developments in the Afghan reconciliation process and bilateral defence and security cooperation in various fields were discussed,” the statement read.

Gen Qamar acknowledged Turkish engagements with Pakistan, especially in the ongoing efforts for continuing the positivity for peace in the region. The COAS also reiterated that “Turkey is one of the key Muslim countries in the region and that enhanced Pakistan-Turkey cooperation will have a positive impact on regional peace and stability.”

Read Army hopes Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan, reiterates support for peace

The Turkish officials appreciated Pakistan’s role for regional peace and stability, especially the Afghan peace process and pledged to continue working for better relations between two countries.

Earlier on arrival, the army chief was also presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned out military contingent.
Azerbaijan visit

COAS Gen Qamar met senior military leaders of Azerbaijan during the two-day official visit to the country. The COAS called on Internal Affairs Minister Colonel General Eyvazov Vilayat Suleyman Oglu, Chief of State Border Service (SBS) Colonel General Elchin Guliyev, and Chief of State Security Service Colonel General Ali Naghi Oglu Naghiyev in Baku.

During the meeting, the military’s media wing said that matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence and security cooperation, regional peace and cooperation in energy, trade and connectivity projects between both countries were discussed.

The army chief said: “The emerging geo-strategic paradigm in the region necessitates our close cooperation and collective response against common challenges.” The COAS also reiterated increased mutually beneficial engagements at all levels and fora.

The dignitaries also acknowledged “high standards of professionalism of Pakistan Army and contributions for conflict prevention in the region, especially efforts for bringing peace in Afghanistan.”
On June 21, COAS Gen Bajwa met Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Defence Minister Colonel General Hasanov Zakir Asgar in the Azerbaijan capital.