ANKARA: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday said Pakistan and Türkiye had strong brotherly relations which had always stood the test of time.
“The Pakistan Army is always willing to extend full support to the Turkish Land Forces in multiple domains,” he said during meetings on an official visit to the Republic of Türkiye.
The visit is part of the high-level mutual visits by both the brotherly countries to enhance the historic diplomatic and military ties, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During the visit, the Army Chief called on President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, foreign and defence ministers, Commander of Turkish General Staff, and commanders of Turkish land and air forces.
During the meetings, the COAS emphasized enhancing defence collaboration and training cooperation. He appreciated the Turkish Military’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region and also praised their standards of operational readiness.
The Turkish leaders acknowledged the efforts extended by Pakistan Army engineers who worked along the teams of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) during the unfortunate earthquake that hit Türkiye in February this year.
COAS Munir visited the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Ankara to pay homage to the great leader and laid a wreath at his grave.
The Army Chief later visited the Turkish Land Forces Headquarters, where on his arrival he was given a warm welcome and was presented with the guard of honour.
He was also conferred with the Legion of Merit by the Minister of Defense and Commander Turkish Land Forces in recognition of his services towards promoting defence relations between the two countries.
During the ceremony, the COAS highlighted, “Pakistan has always stood with their Turkish brothers in times of calamity and moments of triumph, and shall continue to strengthen the fraternal ties amongst the two nations.”
