RAWALPINDI, May 31: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif witnessed both phases of multinational military exercise near Turkey’s city of Izmir, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to Director General of ISPR Lt-Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa, Turkish Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar welcomed the army chief upon his arrival to witness the exercise.
Besides Pakistan armed forces, Bajwa said, Turkish, US, UK, Belgium, Qatar and Azerbaijan’s troops participated in the exercise.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish defence minister also witnessed the multinational military drill.
The Turkish president met General Raheel and thanked him for Pakistan’s participation in the exercise and his personal presence to witness it.
Erdogan stressed on enhancing existing close friendly ties between Turkey and Pakistan.
He praised Pakistan army’s accomplishments in Operation Zarb e Azb and contributions to regional peace and stability.
In our bid to share military experience, enhance training exchanges, Pakistan Army in the last 3 years conducted 52 joint military drill both inland and abroad, the DG ISPR said.
The COAS appreciated Turkish forces for outstanding conduct of Exercise of such magnitude and scope, he added. -NNI
