ANKARA: The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, engaged in high-level discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his official visit to Turkey, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Tuesday.
The visit aims to deepen the longstanding strategic and military partnership between Pakistan and Turkey, reflecting their shared commitment to regional stability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, the military’s media wing stated.
Upon arrival, CDF Munir was warmly welcomed, symbolizing the strong brotherly ties between the two nations. During his stay, he held extensive meetings with Turkish political and military leaders, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation.
He met with President Erdogan and the Minister of National Defence, Yasar Guler, to exchange views on regional security issues and mutual interests. The discussions highlighted a mutual desire to reinforce their strategic alliance in an increasingly complex regional environment.
At the Turkish General Staff (TGS) headquarters, Munir was received with a formal guard of honour before sitting down with General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, the Chief of the Turkish General Staff. The leaders discussed regional security concerns and shared professional challenges.
In recognition of his efforts to enhance military collaboration, General Bayraktaroglu awarded Munir the Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal. The visit also included a trip to the Turkish Land Forces (TLF) headquarters, where he met with Commander General Metin Tokel.
As part of his visit, the CDF paid respects at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, laying a wreath and honoring Turkey’s founder for his visionary leadership. This act underscored the deep historical and cultural bonds uniting the two countries.
Both nations remain committed to strengthening their defence ties and working together for regional peace and stability. Pakistan and Turkey’s relationship is rooted in decades of cooperation spanning political, military, and economic spheres.
Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Istanbul and met President Erdogan, reaffirming their dedication to expanding bilateral trade, with a goal of reaching $5 billion. Turkey is also involved in building corvette warships for the Pakistan Navy, underlining their enduring defence partnership.
Furthermore, Turkey has upgraded numerous F-16 fighter jets for the Pakistan Air Force and shares drone technology with Islamabad. In January, Pakistani Defence Minister Raza Hayat Harraj indicated ongoing talks on a draft regional defence agreement involving Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, although no formal deal has yet been finalized.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan later clarified that while discussions are ongoing about a potential regional alliance, no formal alliance or agreement has been signed. He emphasized that fostering regional trust and cooperation is key to resolving broader issues in the area.
