Pakistan, Turkish naval chiefs discuss bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu, Commander Turkish Naval Forces is on an official visit to Pakistan on the invitation of Chief of the Naval Staff. Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, the Turkish Naval chief was received by Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of the Naval Staff. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy clad in ceremonial dress presented him guard of honour.

The two sides discussed various avenues of cooperation between the two navies in detail. A comprehensive briefing on Pakistan Navy’s role in Regional Maritime Security situation and Operational Development in the Indian Ocean was also given to the visiting dignitary.

During his visit, the Admiral will be conferred with Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), one of Pakistan’s highest Military Awards by President Mamnoon Hussain. Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu is also scheduled to call on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.At the second leg of his visit, Commander Turkish Naval Forces is scheduled to meet Naval Field Commands at Karachi and Lahore and will also visit PN Fleet/units.

Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu, besides holding the appointment as Commander Turkish Naval Forces, has had the privilege to serve on numerous coveted appointments including, Commander Turkish Fleet, Commander Northern Sea Area, Commander Naval Training and Education Command, Chief of Communications, Chief of Staff Fleet Command, Commander Surface Action Group and Northern Task Group, Chief of Operations and Commander Turkish Naval War College. The Dignitary has also served as Naval Attaché at Athens, Greece.

Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu is a graduate of Turkish Naval War College, Turkish Armed Forces College and US Naval War College.The Turkish Naval Forces Commander is recipient of numerous national and international military awards and honours including Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Honour, Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal and Nato Medal for the former Yugoslavia. This visit is expected to greatly augment the bilateral cooperation between both the Navies.