Turkish Defence Minister visits Pakistan to fortify Pakistan-Turkey defence cooperation

Turkish National Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar is on an official visit to Pakistan from 19-20 December 2018. The visit is aimed at further promoting existing brotherly Pakistan-Turkey defence cooperation. Upon arrival at Noor Khan Airbase on Wednesday evening, he was received by Rear Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami as well as Turkey's Ambassador to Pakistan, Mustafa Yurdakul. On Thursday, the Turkish Defence Minister called on President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi. Welcoming the dignitary, the President said that Pakistan is an investment ready country now and that the investors from all over the world particularly from Turkey must take advantage of this opportunity. He said that Turkish Companies have invested immensely in energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan which not only has strengthened the ties between the two countries but also played an important role in the development and progress of both the countries. He remarked that Pakistan and Turkey are bound in deep and historical relations, which are not only brotherly but mutually beneficial as well. The President and the Turkish Minister for National Defence hoped that as a result of President’s recent visit to Turkey the mutual relations will be further deepened and broadened with the help of further high level contact in near future. The President also stressed the need for early finalization of Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Turkey.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar met Prime Minister Imran Khan at his office. Welcoming the guest, Khan said: "We admire the socio-economic progress made by Turkey under the visionary leadership of President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan." Akar felicitated Khan on being elected as prime minister of Pakistan and conveyed greetings from Erdogan. He said that the Turkish leadership looks forward to Khan's visit to Turkey which would help further strengthening of existing ties between the two countries, the statement concluded.  

Mr. Hulusi Akar earlier called on Federal Minister for Defence Mr. Pervez Khattak and Minister for Defence Production Ms. Zubaida Jalal and discussed issues of mutual interest, especially the avenues in defence cooperation. Mr. Akar called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Zubair Mahmood Hayat at Joint Staff Headquarters. The visiting dignitary also called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Matters pertaining to mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation came under discussion during the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, the visiting dignitary expressed Turkey’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in war against terrorism. Earlier on arrival at GHQ, the Turkish minister laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.




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