Rawalpindi, 24 march 2022 (TDI): Chief of General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, General Yasar Guler, called on Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.
Apart from security and regional problems, such as the recent events in Afghanistan, the degree and extent of bilateral military engagements and cooperation were discussed. Both sides reiterated their commitment, saying that as “all-weather” allies, Pakistan and Turkey will continue to develop stronger strategic relations.
Upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a well-dressed tri-services group greeted the visiting dignitary with a ‘Guard of Honour.’
The visiting Chief also called on other officials such as the Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu; the Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi; and President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, in separate meetings.
On Pakistan and Turkey’s relations:
Pakistan and Turkey have strong and cordial bilateral relations. Turkey has an embassy in Islamabad, a Consulate-General in Karachi, and honorary consulates in Lahore, Peshawar, Sialkot, and Faisalabad. In contrast, Pakistan has an embassy in Ankara, a Consulate-General in Istanbul, and an honorary consulate in Izmir. Pakistan and Turkey seek to deepen their close relations into a “strategic alliance” as of 2016, according to a joint communiqué.
Relations date back centuries, particularly during the Turkish War of Independence, when Muslims from the northwestern British Raj provided financial assistance to the Ottoman Empire in decline, followed by the establishment of the Turkish Republic and the independence of Pakistan.
On the military relations:
Pakistan and Turkey have long had military connections. The two countries have collaborated for initiatives and have participated in military exercises. Turkey has also shown open support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, to which Pakistan has responded by declaring its support for Turkey’s Northern Cyprus stance. Both countries have attempted to increase their collaboration in the battle against terrorism. In addition, both nations are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
