ISLAMABAD, Feb 11: Acting President Justice Sheikh Riaz Ahmed on Monday awarded Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military) to Admiral Bulent Alpakaya, the commander of the Turkish Naval Forces.

The award was given to Admiral Bulent Alpakaya in recognition of his services for promotion of cooperation between the two countries in the defence field at various levels.

Earlier, the Turkish naval commander called on the acting president and discussed matters of mutual interests with him.

Meanwhile, Admiral Bulent Alpakaya, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan, also called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza at his office.

During the meeting, various aspects relating to further promotion of existing ties between the two navies came under discussion.

Earlier, the Turkish commander visited Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. A smartly-turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy clad in ceremonial dress presented him the guard of honour. The chief of naval staff, Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza, introduced the visiting dignitary to the principal staff officers at the Naval Headquarters.

Admiral Alpakaya also visited the Joint Staff Headquarters and the Air Headquarters.

He called on the chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Aziz Khan, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir and discussed with them matters of bilateral interests. — PPI