General Metin Tokel, commander of the Turkish Land Forces, met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday, where the two sides discussed regional security and bilateral defence cooperation.

Tokel was presented with a guard of honour upon arrival at the headquarters, according to a statement.

During the meeting, the officials discussed matters of mutual professional interest, regional security dynamics and ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.

Field Marshal highlighted the historical, cultural and strategic ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and appreciated defence relations between their armed forces.

Tokel also visited Naval Headquarters in Islamabad and met the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The two sides discussed professional matters and the regional maritime security environment.

The Turkish commander later met Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Their discussions focused on bilateral military cooperation and other professional matters.

According to the statement, Tokel praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their contribution to regional peace and stability. He also expressed commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation and institutional ties between the armed forces of the two countries.