Pakistan Army chief in Turkey seeking stronger ties

General Javed Bajwa has met with high-ranking Turkish military, defense and political officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Experts believe that the visit by the top Pakistani military official to Turkey is crucial amid tense security issues and diplomatic rifts in the Middle East.

According to a statement by the Pakistani Army, General Javed Bajwa during his meeting with President Erdogan thanked the Turkish head of state for supporting Pakistan and he praised Ankara’s role in bringing peace and stability to the region.

Turkish President, on his part, said that the Islamic countries can contribute immensely towards global peace and stability and that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) offers a platform to do that end through addressing conflicts and promoting dialogue.

Both officials stressed that Turkey and Pakistan can always count on each other's unconditional and sincere support.
Pakistani Army chief also met with Defense Minister of Turkey, Fikri Isik and discussed matters related to regional situation and bilateral security cooperation.

Both sides agreed upon enhancing cooperation in the fields of security policies, defense production and human resource training.

General Javed Bajwa had a meeting with his Turkish counterpart General Hulusi Akar and the two discussed regional security issues. They also agreed to further enhance defense cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara.

Pakistan Army chief also visited Turkish Land Force Headquarters where he was received by General Salih Zeki Çolak, Commander of Turkish Land Forces.

He was briefed on the regional security situation as well as the Turkish Land Forces and their various undertakings in field of training, defense production and peace keeping operations.

The Pakistani Army chief visited, as well, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Pakistan and Turkey enjoy strong defense ties as both countries had signed a deal under which Pakistan will sell Super Mushshak military training aircraft to Turkey, whereas Turkey is selling advance equipment to Pakistan Navy.

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