Turkey awards Gen Bajwa Legion of Merit for his services

COAS meets Turkish defence officials

ANKARA: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa arrived here on Tuesday on an official visit. The COAS visited the Ataturk Mausoleum and laid a floral wreath to pay homage to the father of the Turkish nation and penned down his respects on the visitors book, said an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.

The army chief also visited the Turkish Land Force Headquarters where he was received by General Salih Zeki Çolak, Commander Turkish Land Forces, and was presented a guard of honour. Here, the COAS was briefed on the regional security situation as well as the Turkish Forces and their various undertakings in field of training, defence production and peace keeping operations.

The army chief was awarded the Legion of Merit in a simple and graceful ceremony in recognition of his services for promotion of Pakistan-Turkey defence ties. Speaking on the occasion, the COAS underscored the special place that turkey enjoys in the hearts of all Pakistanis. He dedicated the award to the Shuhada of both Pakistani and Turkish Armed Forces.  Later, the COAS called on chief of Turkish General Staff, General Hulusi Akar and discussed matters related to regional security and the role Armed Forces of both countries play towards peace and stability. The two military leaders agreed to further enhance defence cooperation in multiple fields. Turkish military leadership was greatly appreciative of the role Pakistan Army plays against terrorism as well as in peace keeping operations.