Islamabad: Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif Monday assured Turkey of ‘unflinching’ support against terrorism. General Raheel, who is on a three-day visit to Turkey, told Turkish Army Chief Hulusi Akar that Pakistan stood by the brotherly country. “Pakistan and Turkey are facing daunting challenges. I am sure we will surmount them with a common and coherent approach... We assure you our unflinching support,” the army chief was quoted as saying by ISPR.
He also expressed condolences on the recent terrorist attack in Ankara in which at least 86 people were killed by two suspected suicide bombers at a rally of pro-Kurdish and leftist activists in Ankara on Saturday. The two military leaders also discussed to enhance cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism. Earlier on his arrival, Gen Raheel was presented a guard of honour by the Turkish land forces. He also visited the mausoleum of Kamal Ataturk, the founder of modern-day Turkey and laid floral wreath at the grave.
The army chief was awarded the Turkish Legend of Merit for his services towards regional peace and handling the menace of terrorism and clarity in direction and sense of purpose in leading Pakistan Army.