Thursday 16 June 2016

Pakistan army chief in Turkey to witness joint military maneuver

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Monday arrived in Turkey to witness joint military maneuver there, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The exercise will be held near the city of Izmir in two phases, said the ISPR, one tonight and the other tomorrow morning. Gen Sharif will witness both phases of the joint exercise.
Pakistan and Turkey have for long maintained cordial ties, both at civil and military level.
Earlier in October, 2015, General Raheel Sharif was awarded with Turkish Legend of Merit in recognition of his services for regional peace and handling terrorism.
There in his meeting with the Turkish counterpart, the COAS had expressed heartfelt condolences on Ankara blasts and said, “We understand enormity of your challenges and stand by you”.

“Pakistan and Turkey are facing daunting challenges. I am sure we will surmount them with a common and coherent approach,” said Sharif, during a three-day official tour to Turkey. “We assure you our unflinching support.”