Pakistan, Turkey vow to further enhance military ties

COAS, Turkish general discuss defence, security collaboration

Commander Turkish Land Forces General Umit Dundar on Monday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and discussed bilateral military cooperation.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual and professional interest with special emphasis on defence and security collaboration between the two brotherly countries were discussed,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Pakistan “highly values” its brotherly relations with Turkey which are deeply rooted in history and entrenched in our cultural and religious affinities, the communique quoted Gen Qamar as saying.
Both sides agreed to further optimise military to military ties particularly in training and counter-terrorism domains, it added.

The Turkish general appreciated Pakistan Army’s role for regional peace and stability and contributions towards defeating terrorism.

Upon arrival, the visiting commander was also presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned out military contingent, said the ISPR.

Moreover, President Dr Arif Alvi conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) award on Turkish Land Forces Commander General Umit Dundar. The conferment was made at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr to recognise of the meritorious services of the general in the strengthening of Pakistan-Turkish ties.

Earlier, Gen Umit called on President Alvi and discussed matters of mutual interest.
President Alvi reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further intensify bilateral cooperation with Turkey in the areas of trade, defence and culture.

Talking to the visiting commander, he underlined the need for increasing cooperation with Turkey in various fields for the mutual benefits of the two brotherly countries.

Expressing satisfaction over the existing level of bilateral relations, the president said that both countries enjoyed exemplary ties which needed to be further cemented in the areas of trade and defence.
He expressed the hope that the agreement on military training cooperation between the two countries would further boost military ties.

General Umit said that Pakistan and Turkey are inseparable as they have a long history of cooperation based on common faith, values and historical linkages.

He further said that the people of Turkey views Pakistanis as their brothers and emphasised the need to promote cooperation in all aspects, particularly defence.

He thanked the president for the conferment of the Award of “Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)” on him.