Turkish army chief praises Pakistan military’s role in regional peace, meets top leaders

Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistan Armed Forces to regional peace and stability during meetings with the country’s top military leadership during his visit, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Tokel called on the Chief of Defense and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

On his arrival at GHQ he was presented with a smartly turned out guard of honor by an army contingent.

“During the meeting, issues of mutual professional interest, regional security dynamics and opportunities for enhanced bilateral defense cooperation were discussed,” the statement said.

“The visiting dignitary praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged its contribution to regional peace and stability,” ISPR added.

It further said that General Tokel expressed his commitment to further strengthen defense cooperation and institutional links between the armed forces of the two fraternal nations.

The ISPR said Field Marshal Munir highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural and strategic ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and appreciated the strong defense partnership between the armed forces of the two countries.

During his visit, General Tokel also called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.

“During the meeting, issues of professional interest and the regional maritime security environment were discussed,” the statement added.

The Turkish commander also met the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting focused on bilateral military cooperation and issues of professional interest.