RAWALPINDI, April 30: The visiting Turkish minister for national defence, Vecdi Gonul, called on President Gen Pervez Musharraf at the General Headquarters on Friday.

According to a press release issued by the ISPR, the president welcomed the Turkish minister and recalled the time- tested fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey. He hoped that the visit of Turkish dignitaries would be fruitful and further strengthen the existing relations between the two countries, particularly in the field of defence.

The Turkish minister thanked the people and Pakistani government, particularly Ministry of Defence for the hospitality extended to him and his entourage. Mr Gonul termed his interaction with the defence and military leadership very productive. Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal was also present at the meeting.