ISLAMABAD: Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, who is in Turkey on special invitation by the Turkish government, witnessed the multinational military exercises EFES-2016 and appreciated the Turkish armed forces for an outstanding conduct of the exercise of such magnitude and scope, military’s media wing said.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the military’s spokesperson, Lt Gen Asim Bajwa, a contingent of Pakistani armed forces participated in the ‘Combined Joint Live Fire Exercise’ along with the troops participating from Turkey, United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Azerbaijan.

“Upon arrival at the exercise area, Turkish Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar welcomed General Raheel. Turkish president and defence minister also attended the exercise,” Bajwa said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a separate meeting with Gen Raheel and thanked him for Pakistan's participation and his personal presence for witnessing the military exercise, the ISPR statement read.

“It will enhance the existing close friendly ties between Pakistan and Turkey, especially between the armed forces of the two countries,” Erdoğan was quoted as saying.

He also praised Pakistan army's accomplishments in Operation Zarb-i-Azb and its contributions towards regional peace and stability.

“In a bid to share military experiences and enhance training exchanges, Pakistan army, in the last three years, has conducted 52 joint military exercises, both inland and abroad, with partner countries,” said Bajwa.