Turkey's defence minister calls on COAS Qamar Bajwa: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Turkey’s Minister of National Defence General Hulusi Akar (Retired) on Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the ISPR, during the meeting, matters of mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between both the countries and the overall regional security situation were discussed.

Turkey’s defence minister and COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for bringing peace and stability to the region.

General Hulusi Akar (Retired), according to military’s media wing, appreciated Pakistan’s contribution to regional security and connectivity and also reaffirmed Turkey’s full sport to Pakistan’s stance on regional and international issues.

In January this year, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff, General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.

According to ISPR, matters of regional security situation, mutual and professional interest with special emphasis on defence and security collaboration between the two brotherly countries were discussed during the meeting.

COAS said: “We highly value our brotherly relations with Turkey which are deeply rooted in history and entrenched in our cultural and religious affinities.

COAS Bajwa underscored the importance of peace and reconciliation initiatives in Afghanistan, said ISPR.

The army chief stressed upon the need for global convergence and sincere efforts to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe. Both sides agreed to further optimize military to military ties particularly in training and counter-terrorism domains, read the ISPR statement.