ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army chief General Syed Asim Munir met Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the country’s military leadership during an official visit to the country to discuss defense collaboration and training cooperation, the army’s media wing said on Wednesday.
Pakistan and Turkiye have fostered strong military and trade relations over the years. When a devastating earthquake struck Turkiye in February this year, killing thousands, Pakistan sent planeloads of relief items to help the victims of the natural disaster.
In its statement, the army’s media wing said Munir’s visit to Turkiye is part of high-level mutual visits by both countries to enhance their “historic diplomatic and military ties.”
Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Syed Asım Munir gestures during the visit to the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in Ankara on September 13, 2023. (Photo courtesy: ISPR)
“During the meetings, COAS (chief of army staff) emphasized on enhancing defense collaboration and training cooperation,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. “COAS appreciated Turkish Military’s efforts for maintaining peace and stability in the region and also praised the standards of operational readiness of Turkish Armed Forces.”
The ISPR said the Turkish leaders acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan Army engineers who worked with the country’s disaster management authority to save Turkiye’s earthquake victims earlier this year.
The army chief also paid a visit to the Turkish Land Forces Headquarters where he was given a guard of honor. Munir was then conferred with the ‘Legion of Merit’ award by the Turkish defense minister and commander of Turkiye’s land forces in recognition of his services toward promoting defense relations between the two countries, the ISPR said.
“Pakistan Army is always willing to extend full support to the Turkish Land Forces in multiple domains,” the army chief was quoted as saying. “Pakistan has always stood with their Turkish brothers in times of calamity and moments of triumph and shall continue to strengthen the fraternal ties among the two nations.”
Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Syed Asım Munir reviews an honor guards as he arrives in Ankara on September 13, 2023. (Photo courtesy: ISPR)
