Pakistan, Turkey vow to enhance defense cooperation

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey and Pakistan should enhance defense cooperation further in the face of terror threats, Undersecretary for Defense Industries Ismail Demir said Friday.

In remarks made at the launching ceremony of a 17,000-ton fleet tanker in southeastern Pakistani city of Karachi, Demir said: "Turkey and Pakistan need to show more solidarity and cooperation as both of them face [common] challenges such as terrorism."

The official recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to support the Turkish people and its security forces against the defeated military coup in Turkey on July 15. "We are very grateful for their support," he said.

About the warship fleet tanker, which was built in collaboration with a Turkish firm, Demir said it was estimated the tanker would be able to serve for three or four decades, which was a symbol of close ties between the two countries.

"I am pleased to state that defense industry cooperation between the two countries is a significant example of our win-win approach, in cost saving technology transfer, capability sharing, joint production."

Turkey is said to be evaluating proposals from Pakistan for the purchase of its training aircraft for the Turkish Air Force. A final decision on Pakistan’s Super Mushshak trainer aircraft is likely to come soon.

Demir said the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft will be the next training aircraft for the Turkish Air Force.

The 17,000-tonne Navy warship fleet tanker, which is capable of independently operating at sea for up to three months, has been built and designed in collaboration with the Turkish firm Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik and Pakistan's Ministry of Defense Production.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Friday his country wanted “enhanced” defense sector collaboration with Turkey, particularly in the maritime field.

Addressing the launch of Pakistan’s largest warship fleet tanker, Sharif said the induction of the fleet would play an important role in catering to the logistic needs of Pakistan’s navy.

“This is another testimony to increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey. It will be remembered as a symbol of the time-tested Pakistan-Turkey friendship,” Sharif said.