Pakistan Naval Chief Conferred Legion of Merit During Official Visit to Turkiye
Islamabad: Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, concluded a high-profile official visit to Turkiye, aimed at reinforcing bilateral defence ties and maritime collaboration between the two brotherly nations. During the visit, Admiral Ashraf was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit by the Turkish Armed Forces in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening naval cooperation. The award was presented by Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu.
Upon arrival at the Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters, Admiral Ashraf was presented with a guard of honour and held a meeting with Admiral Tatlioglu. Both dignitaries discussed matters of mutual professional interest, focusing on enhanced collaboration, joint exercises, training exchanges, and maritime security in the region.
During his visit, Admiral Naveed Ashraf also held meetings with Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler, Chief of the General Staff General Metin Gurak, and Commander of Turkish Navy Fleet Admiral Kadir Yildiz. The discussions centred on regional maritime stability and future defence initiatives.
In Istanbul, the Naval Chief visited the Istanbul Naval Shipyard and received a comprehensive briefing on the MILGEM project, a flagship symbol of Pakistan-Turkiye defence cooperation. He also toured the Golcuk Naval Base, inspecting state-of-the-art submarine design and construction facilities.
Admiral Ashraf further visited Turkish naval vessels TCG ORUCREIS and S/M PIRIREIS, the National Defence University, and called on the Commander of the North Sea Area. In a symbolic gesture, he laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic of Turkiye.
The visit is expected to serve as a catalyst for deeper defence integration, underscoring the strategic partnership rooted in shared values, history, and mutual respect between Pakistan and Turkiye.
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