Turkish defense minister discusses defense cooperation with Pakistan's army chief

Hulusi Akar, Gen. Qamar Bajwa hold meeting in garrison city of Rawalpindi

2022-05-21 19:32:42

KARACHI, Pakistan

Turkiye's National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Saturday met Pakistan's army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss a string of issues relating to defense cooperation, and regional security.

The meeting was held at the army headquarters in Pakistan's northeastern garrison city of Rawalpindi, the military's media wing said in a statement.

"During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including defense and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation were discussed," the statement added.

"Both reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region," it added.

Akar also met his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Asif in the capital Islamabad. According to a statement by the Turkish Defense Ministry, Akar "emphasized the importance of further increasing the military cooperation between the two countries."

Akar visited Pakistan in connection with the launch of PNS Badr, the third ship under the framework of Turkiye's National Ship Project (MILGEM), held in the port city of Karachi on Friday.