Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir discussed avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation during a meeting with General Metin Tokel, commander of the Turkish Land Forces, the military’s media wing said in a statement on Thursday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that General Tokel called on CDF Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) today.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual professional interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation were discussed,” it said.

CDF Munir highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and strategic ties between the two countries and appreciated the strong defence partnership between the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkiye, the ISPR added.

It stated that upon arrival at GHQ, the visiting dignitary was presented with a “smartly turned-out” guard of honour by a Pakistan Army contingent.

The statement added that the visiting dignitary also visited the Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in Islamabad and called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

“During the meeting, matters of professional interest and regional maritime security environment were discussed,” it added.

Moreover, General Tokel also called on the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters (AHQ).

“The meeting focused on bilateral military cooperation and matters pertaining to professional interest,” said the ISPR statement.

During his visit, General Tokel lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged its contributions towards regional peace and stability.

“He also expressed his commitment to further enhancing defence cooperation and institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two brotherly nations,” the ISPR concluded.

Earlier this week, CDF Munir also held meetings with the commander of Bahrain’s National Guard, General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and the Lebanese armed forces’ Commander-in-Chief General Rodolphe Haykal.

During both interactions, he discussed the strengthening of military collaboration and prospects for enhancing bilateral military relations with the respective countries.