ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military) on Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces General Hulusi Akar at a special ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.
The President decorated General Hulusi Akar in recognition of his outstanding services and contributions in deepening and strengthening relations between the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkey and for enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The special investiture ceremony was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Secretary Defence and Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan.
Later, General Hulusi Akar called on President Mamnoon Hussain and discussed matters of mutual interest. The President congratulated Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces on being conferred with Nishan-i-Imtiaz (M) and appreciated his services in strengthening relations between the two brotherly countries.
President Mamnoon Hussain conveyed his condolences on the suicidal attacks in Istanbul and Ankara and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment in eradicating extremism through National Action Plan and operation Zarb-e-Azb.
President Mamnoon Hussain said the people of Pakistan and Turkey are bound together in very old and strong bonds of brotherhood based on shared religious, cultural and historical affinities. The President reiterated Pakistan’s strong desire to further strengthen its partnership with Turkey in defence.
The President also lauded the democratic initiatives of Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Republic of Turkey.
The President appreciated the Turkish participation in trilateral process for bringing peace in Afghanistan and reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peaceful and stable Afghanistan through Afghan owned and Afghan led peace process.
Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces General Hulusi Akar thanked the President and the Government of Pakistan on being awarded with Nishan-i-Imtiaz (M) and hoped that bilateral relations between the two countries would be taken to new heights in the future.
