Turkey lauds Pakistan's role for Afghan reconciliation process

Gen Qamar meets Turkish defence minister and other military officials during his day-long visit

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday 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.

Commander Turkish General Staff General Yasar Guler and Commander of the Turkish Land Forces General Umit Dundar were also present in the meeting, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

“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 added.

Gen Qamar acknowledged the Turkish engagements with Pakistan especially the ongoing efforts for continuing the positivity for peace in the region, the military’s media wing said.

The COAS also reiterated that Turkey is one of the key Muslim countries in the region and that enhanced the Pakistan-Turkey cooperation will have a positive impact on regional peace and stability.

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

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