ANKARA: Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif, who arrived in Turkey on Monday on a three-day official visit, expressed heartfelt condolence over Ankara terrorist blasts.

“We understand enormity of your challenges and stand by you,” Inter Services Public Relations chief Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa quoted the COAS as saying in a tweet.

During his interaction with the Turkish army chief, Gen Sharif discussed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism training, counter-IED and intelligence domain.

The COAS said Pakistan and Turkey were facing daunting challenges, adding, “I am sure, we will surmount them with a common and coherent approach. We assure you our unflinching support.”

General Sharif was awarded the Turkish Legend of Merit for his services for regional peace, courageously handling the menace of terrorism besides clarity in direction and sense of purpose in leading the Pakistan Army and fighting barbarian terrorists successfully in an exemplary manner.

Published in Dawn, October 13th , 2015

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