Field Marshal Munir, Turkish commander discuss regional security and defence cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Commander of Turkish Land Forces General Metin Tokel met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the two sides reviewed matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and ways to expand bilateral defence cooperation, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations on Thursday.

The military’s media wing said General Tokel was presented with a guard of honour by an army contingent on his arrival at GHQ. During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir underscored what the statement described as the deep historical, cultural, and strategic relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye, and appreciated the close defence partnership between the armed forces of the two countries.

Meetings at naval and air headquarters

According to the ISPR, the visiting Turkish commander also went to Naval Headquarters in Islamabad and called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The statement said the meeting covered professional matters and the regional maritime security environment.

General Tokel separately met Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The ISPR said their discussion focused on bilateral military cooperation as well as other issues of professional interest.

Turkish commander praises Pakistan armed forces

The ISPR said the Turkish military commander praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their role in regional peace and stability. It added that General Tokel also expressed his commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation and institutional ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkiye.

The meetings formed part of high-level military engagement between the two countries and centered on defence coordination and the broader regional security situation, as outlined in the official statement.