Pakistan values its unique relationship with Turkey: Gen Bajwa

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday met with retired General Hulusi Akar, Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security, and measures to further enhance bilateral defence collaboration were discussed. Gen Bajwa said that Pakistan values its unique relationship with Turkey and would always stand by our brothers.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s contributions for conflict prevention in the region and for standing by Turkey & pledged the same for Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had addressed the joint sitting of the parliament and assured his full support to Islamabad on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issue.

Addressing the parliament, Erdogan had thanked Pakistan for giving him a warm welcome and allowing him to address the joint session of parliament once again. “Pakistan is like my second home. Relations between Istanbul and Islamabad are admirable. Turkey will continue to support Pakistan on important matters as it supported in past,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan also reaffirmed his stance on the Kashmir dispute and said that Turkey will support Pakistan’s narrative. He also quoted a poem by Allama Iqbal and said Pakistan always stands with Turkey in difficult times. 

The Turkish President has arrived in Islamabad on a two day official visit on the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.