Pakistan and Turkey have resolved to further enhance existing defence cooperation, declared Turkish Minister of National Defence Fikri Isik during his visit to Pakistan in June.

He said understanding was reached between Islamabad and Ankara during series of meetings with civil and military leadership of Pakistan.

Isik met separately with President Mamnoon Hussain, Counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff committee General Rashad Mahmood, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Zakullah And Chief of Air Staff.

Speaking  t the visiting dignitary, President of Pakistan Said that Pakistan and Turkey are bound together in fraternal bonds which are tooted in shared history, religion and culture, The President commended signing of agreement between Pakistan, Turkey and Qatar for training of personnel and transfer of technology.

The President Thanked Turkey for gifting Pakistan Trainer-37 aircraft and hoped that the two brotherly countries would increase cooperation in the defence field and benefit from each other’s expertise.

The President invited Turkish delegation to participate in IDEAS-2016 to be held in November this year in Pakistan.

He extended his sympathies over tragic loss of lives in recent suicide attacks in Turkey and underlined that both countries as united to uproot the menace of terrorism and extremism.

ISik said that cooperation between the two countries in trade and defence sectors in below actual potential and called for steps to increase bilateral collaboration in these fields.

The Turkish Defence Minister reiterated his country’s resolve to continue efforts for achieving peace in Afghanistan and hoped that the Quadrilateral Coordination Group’s efforts in this regard will bear fruit.

Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif While welcoming the Turkish delegation said both countries enjoy exemplary and historical relations.

Both sides reiterated strong desire to deepen, broaden and strengthen their partnership in defence sector.

Both countries cooperate closely at the regional and multinational forums through the platforms of UN, OIC,ECO and D-8