Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey General (retd) Hulusi Akar called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday and discussed issues of mutual interest including regional stability as well as defence and security cooperation, the military said.

During the meeting, the army chief said that both countries share a great history of brotherly relations which is being transformed into an enduring partnership, according to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“The dignitary commended the role of Pakistan for regional peace and stability, especially the efforts of Pakistan Army in battling the scourge of terrorism,” it added.

The Turkish national defence minister has met the COAS several times during the past few years, a sign of growing military cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

In a similar meeting in December 2018, views were exchanged on issues of mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between both the countries and the overall regional security situation.

The visiting dignitary expressed deep appreciation on behalf of Turkey for Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

In 2017 General Qamar Javed Bajwa was awarded the Legion of Merit in Ankara in recognition of his services for promotion of Pakistan-Turkey defence ties.

Speaking on the occasion, General Bajwa dedicated the award to the martyrs of both Pakistani and Turkish armed forces.

Turkish military leadership was greatly appreciative of the role Pakistan Army played against terrorism and in peace keeping operations and as a factor of stability in a very volatile region.