COAS witnesses multinational military exercise 'EFES' in Turkey

The combined joint live fire exercise EFES-2016 were held in two phases, one last night and the other during daytime today, with military troops from Germany, the United States, Azerbaijan, Britain, Qatar, Pakistan, Poland, Belgium and Saudi Arabia participating in it.

Upon arrival at the exercise area, Turkish Chief of General Staff, General Hulusi Akar, welcomed General Rahel Sharif. The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the defense minister also attended the military maneuver.

Later, the Turkish president also held a separate meeting with the COAS and thanked him for Pakistan’s participation and his personal presence for witnessing the exercise which he said, will enhance the existing close friendly ties between the two countries, and specially between the two armed forces.

He also praised Pakistan Army’s accomplishments in operation Zarb-e-Azb and contributions towards regional peace and stability.

On the occasion, the COAS appreciated Turkish armed forces for an outstanding conduct of the exercise of such magnitude and scope.

In its bid to share military experiences and enhance training exchanges, Pakistan Army, in the last three years, has conducted 52 joint military exercises, both inland and abroad, with partner countries.