Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was awarded a Legion of Merit for promotion of defence ties between Islamabad and Ankara during an official visit to Turkey, an Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) press release said Tuesday.

During his visit, Gen Bajwa met with Commander of Turkish Land Forces General Salih Zeki Çolak and visited the Turkish Land Force Headquarters where he was received by his Turkish counterpart and presented with a guard of honour.

The army chief was briefed on the regional security situation as well as the Turkish Land Forces and their various undertakings in the field of training, defence production and peacekeeping operations.

The Pakistan Army chief called on the Chief of Turkish General Staff General Hulusi Akar and discussed matters related to regional security and the role armed forces of both countries play towards peace and stability, the ISPR statement said.

The two military leaders agreed to further enhance defence cooperation in multiple fields.

The Turkish military leadership appreciated the role the Pakistan Army plays against terrorism as well as in peacekeeping operations and as a factor of stability in the region.

The COAS was awarded the Legion of Merit during a ceremony in recognition of his services for promoting Pakistan-Turkey defence ties.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen Bajwa underscored the special place that Turkey enjoys in the hearts of Pakistanis and dedicated the award to the martyrs of both the Pakistani and Turkish armed forces, the ISPR statement said.

General Bajwa also visited the Ataturk Mausoleum and laid a floral wreath to pay homage to the father of Turkish nation and penned down his respects on the visitor’s book.