National Defence Minister of Turkey General (R) Hulusi Akar on Thursday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, and felicitated the latter for being elected as prime minister of Pakistan and conveyed greetings from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
General (R) Akar said that the Turkish leadership looks forward to the visit of PM Khan to Turkey, which would help further strengthen existing ties between the two countries.
He also expressed Turkey’s deep appreciation of Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices made in the war against terrorism.
Welcoming the visiting dignitary to Pakistan, the prime minister said that Pakistan greatly values its ties with Turkey and the people of Pakistan have great respect for President Erdoğan.
"We admire the socio-economic progress made by Turkey under the visionary leadership of President Erdoğan," Khan said.
Expressing satisfaction over the upward trajectory of Pak-Turkey relations, the premier said that Pakistan is keen to further strengthen its cooperation with Turkey in all areas of mutual interest, including trade and defence cooperation.
Regional situation was also discussed during the meeting.
Later, General (R) Akar called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Head Quarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on issues of mutual interest, including defence and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
Earlier on arrival at the GHQ, the Turkish minister of national defence laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Army also presented the guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.