Turkish, German envoys call on Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

He made these remarks after individual meetings with the ambassadors of Turkey and Germany. Asif expressed his condolences to a delegation led by Turkish envoy Mustafa Babur Girgin over the loss of lives in the incidents in Ankara and Istanbul after the failed coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He said the Erdogan had strengthened several institutions and welcomed democratic initiatives in Turkey. The relations between Pakistan and Turkey have deepened with the passage of time, and people of Pakistan stood beside their friendly nations. He congratulated over the formation of the new government by Prime Minister Binali Yilderim and appointment of Fikry Ishaq as the new defence minister of Turkey.

The defence minister said that Turkey was playing a crucial role for stability in Afghanistan. Moreover, both nations have increased cooperation in the field of defence. This includes the provision of oil vessel to the Pakistan Navy and the purchase of Super Mushshak aircraft from Pakistan which will be announced soon. He confirmed that a high-level military delegation will meet in October to further strengthen defence cooperation.

GERMANY ENVOY CALLS ON ASIF

Later, the German Ambassador Ina Lepel called on Khwaja Asif and discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. Asif expressed his condolences over the recent acts of terrorism in Germany. He said that Pakistan condemn all forms of terrorism and the world needs to unite to eliminate the menace which is responsible for the loss of innocent lives.

He said that Pakistan is pleased with the friendly relations with Germany, while emphasising that there is need to strengthen cooperation in a range of fields including defence between the two nations.