Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) to General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Commander of Turkish Land Forces, in a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. This prestigious military honor recognizes General Bayraktaroglu’s significant contributions to bolstering defense relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
According to Press Information Department, the award ceremony was followed by a detailed meeting between General Bayraktaroglu and President Zardari, which also included Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir. The discussions focused on enhancing defense cooperation and further strengthening the bilateral ties that bind the two nations. Both sides underscored the importance of expanding their partnership for mutual benefit.
President Zardari expressed Pakistan’s pride in its relationship with Turkey, noting the consistent support Turkey has provided on critical issues. He was particularly appreciative of the ongoing collaborative projects that promise to deepen the connection between the two countries. The President also highlighted the importance of increasing people-to-people contacts and enhancing cooperation in agriculture, education, arts, and culture.
Additionally, President Zardari acknowledged the personal relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, mentioning his recent supportive gestures, which included congratulatory calls during significant occasions such as his election and the beginning of Ramadan. These interactions, he noted, are reflective of President Erdogan’s dedication to enhancing the ties between Pakistan and Turkey.
For his part, General Bayraktaroglu reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to advancing defense relations with Pakistan and emphasized the potential of their collaboration to promote regional peace and stability. He expressed gratitude for the recognition of his efforts in the form of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) and committed to continuing his endeavors to fortify the defense cooperation between the two allied countries.