• Turkish defence minister

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday during an official visit to Turkey, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release.

Gen Bajwa discussed matters of mutual interest with the Turkish leader and thanked the Turkish president for "perennial Turkish support to Pakistan" and the country's role in bringing peace and stability to the region, the ISPR said.

The Turkish president acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions made by Pakistan in combating terrorism and militancy.

He asserted that Islamic countries can contribute immensely towards global peace and stability through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) platform, which he said facilitates conflict resolution and dialogue.

Erdogan also noted that multi-faceted cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan would continue to have a positive influence and that the two countries can always count on each other for "unconditional and sincere support".

Turkish defence minister

COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik on Wednesday to discuss matters related to the regional situation and bilateral security cooperation, an ISPR press release said Wednesday.

During the meeting ─ which took place during the COAS' official visit to Turkey ─ the two parties agreed upon the potential for cooperation in the fields of security policies, defence production and human resource training.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkey Sohail Mahmood was also present during the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Gen Bajwa visited Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), where he was briefed about the projects being undertaken by TAI in both military and civil aviation industry.

"TAI has developed particular expertise in helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," the ISPR statement noted.

The Pakistan Army chief visited TAI's facility and took an introductory flight in T129 attack helicopter.

Speaking on the occasion, the COAS appreciated the indigenous technical prowess achieved by Turkey.

"Pakistan has great technological and industrial potential which open the scope for very meaningful defence cooperation between the two countries," the army's media wing said.