ANKARA: Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed regional security, defence cooperation and ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye.
According to Turkish media, the meeting also included an exchange of views on the latest developments in the Middle East and explored opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation across defence and strategic sectors.
Focus on Regional Security and Strategic Partnership
During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir and President Erdogan reviewed the evolving regional security environment and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination between Pakistan and Türkiye on issues of mutual interest.
Reports said the discussions also centred on expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries, reflecting their long-standing partnership in defence, diplomacy and regional affairs.
Field Marshal Munir, who arrived in Türkiye on Monday for a two-day official visit, met President Erdogan at Ankara Airport, according to a post shared by the Turkish Presidency on X.
Meeting with Turkish Military Leadership
Later in the day, the Pakistan Army chief held talks with General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, in Ankara.
Before the meeting, Field Marshal Munir was presented with a guard of honour by a tri-services contingent of the Turkish Armed Forces, underscoring the close military relationship between the two countries.
The Turkish Embassy in Islamabad also shared a video of the visit on X, stating that the defence partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye continues to grow stronger.
The embassy described the relationship as being rooted in “brotherhood, mutual trust and a shared strategic vision.”
Field Marshal Asim Munir Arrives in Türkiye on Two-Day Official Visit
Longstanding Pakistan-Türkiye Relations
Pakistan and Türkiye enjoy close diplomatic, political, economic and defence ties that span several decades. The two countries regularly cooperate on regional and international issues and have maintained strong military-to-military relations through joint exercises, training programmes and defence collaboration.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Erdogan in Istanbul, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
During that meeting, Pakistan and Türkiye also agreed to work towards increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion, highlighting the growing economic dimension of their strategic partnership.
Expanding Defence Cooperation
Defence collaboration remains one of the strongest pillars of Pakistan-Türkiye relations.
Türkiye is currently constructing MILGEM corvette warships for the Pakistan Navy under longstanding defence agreements between the two countries.
President @RTErdogan received Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces of Pakistan, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at Ankara Airport. pic.twitter.com/jz6KzNIlVv
— Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (@trpresidency) July 14, 2026
In addition, Turkish firms have contributed to the modernisation of several Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, while both countries continue to cooperate in defence technology, including unmanned aerial systems and military training.
Regional Defence Initiatives
In January, Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye had prepared a draft regional defence agreement after months of consultations.
However, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan later clarified that although discussions had taken place regarding broader defence cooperation among the three countries, no formal agreement had yet been signed.
He emphasised that greater regional cooperation and mutual trust among countries remain essential for addressing common security challenges.
Growing Strategic Importance
Analysts believe the latest high-level meetings between Pakistan and Türkiye reflect the continued strengthening of bilateral ties at a time of evolving regional security dynamics.
The discussions between Field Marshal Asim Munir and President Erdogan are expected to further enhance cooperation in defence, strategic planning and regional stability, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
