COAS meets Turkish president, defence minister

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is on an official visit to Turkey, called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday.

Accursing to ISPR, matters of mutual interest and regional security were discussed during the meeting. The COAS thanked the president for perennial Turkish support to Pakistan and its role in bringing peace and stability in the region.

The Turkish president acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan and contributions by the Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism and militancy.

The Turkish president saidthat Islamic countries can contribute immensely towards global peace and stability and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) offers a platform to do that through conflict resolution and dialogue. He said Pakistan is playing a very important role towards that end and multi-faceted cooperation between the two brotherly countries will have a positive influence.

Both noted that Turkey and Pakistan can always count on each other's unconditional and sincere support. Earlier, General Bajwa called on Defence Minister of Turkey Fikri ISIK.

Matters related to regional situation and bilateral security cooperation were discussed during the meeting. Both agreed upon the tremendous potential for cooperation in the fields of security policies, defence production and human resource training. Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Mr Sohail was also present during the meeting.

Meanwhile, the COAS visited Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Upon arrival, he was briefed about the projects being undertaken by TAI in both military and civil aviation industry. The TAI has developed particular expertise in helicopters and UAVs. General Bajwa visited the facility and took an introductory flight in T129 attack helicopter.

Speaking on the occasion, the army chief warmly appreciated the indigenous technical prowess achieved by Turkey. He said Pakistan has great technological and industrial potential which open the scope for very meaningful defence cooperation between the two countries.