PAF chief awarded Legion of Merit by Turkish military

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met with the senior military leadership of Turkey during a four-day visit.

The Air Chief arrived in Anakara and separately called on Minister for National Defence of Turkey Mr Hulusi Akar and Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Yasar Guler.

During the meetings, the air chief discussed ways to further promote Pakistan-Turkey defence ties, particularly between the two air forces through mutual experience sharing as well as relying on the respective strengths of each side.

The PAF chief also called on Commander Turkish Air Force General Hasan Kucukakyuz. Both commanders held detailed discussion on enhancing collaboration and exchanging expertise between the air forces of the two countries to meet the challenges of the contemporary world.  The discussion also included exchange and training of pilots between PAF and Turkish air force. 

Chief of Air Staff was also awarded Legion of Merit of Turkish Armed Forces in recognition of his outstanding services for promotion of collaboration and ties between the two air forces. General Hasan Hasan Kucukakyuz presented the medal.       

COAS Bajwa’s visit

Last week. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Turkey on a day-long official visit. The army chief called on Minister of National Defence General Hulusi Akar (Retired), wherein General Yasar Guler, Commander Turkish General Staff and General Umit Dundar, Commander of the Turkish Land Forces were also present.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interests, regional security situation including recent developments in the Afghan peace pocess and bilateral defence and security cooperation in various fields were discussed.

Gen Bajwa acknowledged the Turkish engagements with Pakistan especially the ongoing efforts for continuing the positivity for peace in the region. He reiterated that Turkey is one of the key Muslim countries in the region and enhanced Pakistan-Turkey cooperation will have a positive impact on regional peace and stability.

The dignitaries 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.