Naval chief discusses boosting ties with Turkish Defence leadership

ANKARA: The Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah NI(M), who is on a four days bilateral visit to Turkey from 10-13 December, met here with the Minister for National Defence of Turkey Mr. Ismet Yilmaz, Acting Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Ya?ar Güler, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Recep Bülent Bostano?lu and Under Secretary for Turkish Defence Industries Prof. Dr. Ismail Demir.
The visiting Pakistani dignitary during his meeting with the Minister for National Defence Mr. ?smet Y?lmaz discussed matters pertaining to further boosting defence ties. Mr. ?smet Y?lmaz reassured to share Turkish defence sector experience with Pakistan. They discussed progress on the ongoing defence projects.
Admiral Zakaullah said Turkey is one of the first foreign countries that he is visiting after assuming the office of the Chief of Naval Staff. He briefed the Minister about the successful international defence exhibition, IDEAS 2014, organized by Pakistan in Karachi. He said the response from foreign exhibitors from all over the world was overwhelming. He particularly mentioned the Turkish defence producers, who had the largest pavilion in the entire exhibition.
Upon his arrival at the Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters, Admiral Zakaullah was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of Turkish Navy. In recognition of his services for promotion of cooperation between the two navies, he was decorated with “Legion of Merit of the Turkish Armed Forces” by his counterpart at an impressive ceremony. Both the commanders earlier held a meeting. Various matters of mutual interest aimed at further promoting ties between the navies of the two brotherly countries were discussed. Admiral Zakaullah invited Admiral Bülent Bostano?lu to visit Pakistan. He also reiterated earlier invitation to the Turkish Navy to participate in the forthcoming multinational naval exercise, Aman-2015, being organized by Pakistan in February 2015. Admiral Bülent Bostano?lu accepted the invitation to visit Pakistan soon. INP