CDF Munir, Turkish President discuss defense cooperation, regional security

ANKARA: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankarato discuss bilateral defense cooperation, regional security and the evolving situation in the Middle East.

According to Türkiye’s Presidency, the meeting took place at Ankara Airport before Erdoğan departed for an official visit to Qatar.

The closed-door talks were also attended by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Chief of the General Staff Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director İbrahim Kalın.

While Turkish officials did not disclose details of the discussions, diplomatic and defense sources said the two sides exchanged views on expanding Pakistan-Türkiye defense cooperation, collaboration in the defense industry, regional security challenges and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The meeting comes as Pakistan and Türkiye continue to deepen military ties through joint exercises, defense production, drone technology, naval projects and professional military training.

A day earlier, Field Marshal Munir met Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, and was awarded the Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral military cooperation.

Analysts say the meeting reflects the commitment of Islamabad and Ankara to further expand their longstanding strategic partnership while promoting regional peace, stability and closer defense collaboration.