UPDATE - Turkish military chief meets Pakistan’s president

UPDATES WITH MEETING BETWEEN TURKISH MILITARY CHIEF AND PAKISTANI NAVAL CHIEF, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday commended Turkey for playing “a positive role” vis-a-vis the current Middle East situation, especially during the simmering refugee crisis.

Hussain made the remarks during his meeting with Turkish Chief of the General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar at the President House in capital Islamabad on the second day of the latter’s official visit, according to a statement by the President House.

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul was also present in the meeting.

Hussain termed Turkey’s stance on the Cyprus issue as “justified”, and reiterated Pakistan's unequivocal support for it.

He also thanked Ankara for its unwavering support to Islamabad over the Kashmir dispute, according to the statement.

“Pakistan and Turkey enjoy extraordinary good relations, which cannot be described in words. It is heartening to observe that ties between the two countries in defense, economy, and other sectors are increasing with every passing day,” it quoted Hussain as saying.

Calling President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as one of the most courageous leaders in the Muslim world, Hussain said: “President Erdogan takes just and courageous stand on matters relating to the Muslim world, which helps in resolution of these issues.”

Gen. Akar thanked the president and the government of Pakistan for according him a warm welcome. He said Pakistan had always supported Turkey at its critical junctures, for which the government and the people of Turkey remain grateful to the Pakistani nation.

On Thursday, the Turkish military chief met Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership, including Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, and Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.