Islamabad;President Dr. Arif Alvi has conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon Commander Turkish Air Force, General Hasan Kucukakayuz, in a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday. Later General Hasan Kucukakayuz also called on the President.
On the occasion, the President felicitated him and said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoy an unparalleled fraternal relationship embedded in a shared cultural and religious heritage which has now transformed into a strong strategic partnership over the years and is growing stronger. He added that Pakistan and Turkey have supported each other in difficult times and appreciated Turkish support during recent tensions with India.
He highlighted that our defense collaboration, marked by frequent high-level exchanges, has increased several-folds. He emphasized that we should explore ways to further strengthen relations in this critical area. He also expressed gratitude for the participation of Turkish Air Force “Solo Turk” F-16 team in the Pakistan Day Air Display on 23 March 2019. The President stressed that there is a vast potential for investment in Pakistan especially in energy, infrastructure and food processing sector.
He underlined that Turkish investments in Pakistan have considerably grown. However, more needs to be done to realize the full bilateral trade potential, he added. In this regard, he highlighted that Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Economic Framework (SEF), proposed during Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey, would pave the way for enhanced economic and trade cooperation.
General Hasan Küçükakyüz, Commander Turkish Air Force visited Air Headquarters Islamabad today. On his arrival at Air Headquarters, the distinguished guest was received by Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented the Guard of Honour.
The visiting guest paid homage to the martyrs of PAF by laying floral wreath on Martyrs’ Monument.
Later on, he called on the Air Chief in his office. Various matters pertaining to regional security and areas of mutual cooperation came under discussion during the meeting.
While lauding the professionalism of PAF personnel, the Turkish air chief praised the exceptional progress made by PAF over the years, especially in the field of indigenisation. The Pakistani Air Chief said that everlasting ties exists between the two brotherly nations and Turkey always stood with Pakistan in times of need. Both the dignitaries pledged to further cement the already existing enviable cordial relations between the two air forces.
