12 March 2004	Friday	20 Muharram 1425

RAWALPINDI, March 11: President Gen Pervez Musharraf conferred the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on Gen Halil Ibrahim Fitrina, Commander Turkish air force, at an investiture ceremony in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

The award was conferred on Gen Halil in recognition of his consistent and valuable contributions for promoting relations and understanding between the air forces of the two countries.

Gen Halil, a reputed military commander and distinguished aviator, has remained the guiding force behind the cooperation and enhanced relations between the Pakistan and Turkish air forces.

The ceremony was attended by the ministers, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, the services chiefs, senior civil and military officers and other distinguished guests.

Earlier, Gen Halil called on President Gen Pervez Musharraf. The President recalled the extremely close and fraternal relations between Turkey and Pakistan and lauded the services of Turkish Air Force Commander in giving a meaningful and purposeful orientation to these ties.

Gen Halil thanked the Pakistan Government for conferring on him a prestigious military award and expressed his resolve for further strengthening the excellent relations between the air forces of Turkey and Pakistan. -APP