ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif Tuesday welcomed democratic initiatives being taken by the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for strengthening of the institutions.
Talking to a Turkish delegation led by Ambassador S. Bab r Girgin, he congratulated on formation of new government under the Prime Minister YALDRAM.
He felicitated Fikri ISIK, on his appointment as new Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey and condoled over recent suicide attacks in Istanbul and Ankara.
The minister said there exit exemplary and historical relations between Pakistan and Turkey which were deepening with the passage of time.
Reiterating Pakistan’s strong desire to deepen, broaden and strengthen its partnership with Turkey in defence fields, he said both the countries cooperate closely at the regional and multinational platforms like United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and D-8.
Turkish participation in trilateral process on Afghanistan was a source of encouragement, he said, adding Pakistan strongly desires for peaceful and stable Afghanistan through Afghan own and Afghan-led process.
Appreciating formulation of a trilateral Arrangement between Pakistan-Qatar and Turkey, encompassing the fields of training, supply of equipment and technology transfer, he said it would go a long way in achieving peace in the region.
He expressed satisfaction over successful holding of 11th Round of High Level Military Dialogue Group meeting in Ankara in October 2015. Its next session is scheduled in Pakistan in October 2016.
The Minister thanked for construction of Pakistan Navy Tanker Fleet at Karachi Shipyard and Engg Works besides launching of Electronic Warfare Test and Training Range Project of PAF at Thal.
Extending invitation, the Minister expressed the hope that Turkish defence delegation would actively participate in IDEAS-2016 being held at Karachi from 22-25 Nov 2016.
Referring to the help and assistance used to be offered to Pakistan by the brotherly country during natural calamities, he said people of Pakistan can never forget the generous support extended by the government and people of Turkey during trying times.
Source: APP
