ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) award on Chief of Turkish General Staff General Metin Gurak in recognition of his illustrious services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye defence relations.

Award was conferred at special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr and attended by services chiefs and parliamentarians.

President Asif Ali Zardari called for enhancing road and railway connectivity between Pakistan and Turkiye to further encourage people-to-people exchanges between the two friendly and brothrely countries, ARY News reported.

Speaking to to Turkish Chief of General Staff, General Metin Gurak, who along with his delegation, called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said that overland transport was cost-effective, which would not only lead to increased interactions between the two nations but would also enhance bilateral economic ties.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, Dr Mehmet Pacaci were also present on the occasion. Welcoming the delegation, President Zardari said that Pakistan is committed to further deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Turkiye in all areas of common interest.

Asif Zardari urged need to increase bilateral cultural exchanges, particularly in the areas of literature and poetry, to bring people of two brotherly countries further closer.

He highlighted that Turkiye is sincere friend of Pakistan and both countries had enjoyed deep fraternal ties, which needed to be further strengthened for mutual benefit of two sides.

President Zardari expressed satisfaction over existing level of bilateral cooperation between two countries.Pak-Turkiye relations were on an upward trajectory marked by increased high-level exchanges.

General Gurak, during his outstanding military career served on different staff and command appointments which prominently include Commander of 2nd Armored Brigade, Chief of Communication Department of TGS, Commander of Military Academy, Commander of Army Aviation School, Commander of 4th Corps, Commander of Land Forces TRADOC, Communications Services Support Training, Chief of Staff of Land Forces Command and Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 20 2024

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