ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif witnessed multinational military exercises “EFES” near Turkish City of Izmir, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The joint exercises were conducted in two phases and in which armed forces from Pakistan, Turkey, United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Azerbaijan participated.
Upon arrival at the exercise area, the Turkish Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar welcomed the COAS. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Defence Minister İsmet Yılmaz also attended the military exercises.
Separately, the Turkish president also held a separate meeting with General Raheel Sharif and thanked him for Pakistan’s participation and his personal presence for witnessing the exercises.
Tayyip Erdogan said that joint military exercises will enhance the existing close friendly ties between Pakistan and Turkey especially between the two armed forces.
The Turkish president also praised Pakistan army’s accomplishments in anti-terror operation Zarb-e-Azb and contributions towards regional peace and stability.
The COAS appreciated Turkish armed forces for an outstanding conduct of the exercises of such magnitude and scope.
The IPSR said that in last three years, Pakistan army has conducted 52 joint military exercises, both inland and abroad, with partner countries in a bid to share military experiences and enhance training exchanges.
