Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Raheel Sharif, who arrived here for a 3-day official visit on Monday, expressed his heartfelt condolences on Ankara terrorist blast. He said, "We understand the enormity of your challenges and stand by you". "The army chief was presented a guard of honour at Turkish Land Forces HQ," DG ISPR Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa tweeted. He laid a floral wreath at Kamal Ata Turk Mausoleum in Turkish capital Ankara.
"Our brotherly relation is time-tested and eternal," he said. Later, in a meeting with Turkish Army Chief, General Sharif discussed the enhanced co-operation in fields of counter-terrorism training, counter IED and international domain. "Pakistan and Turkey are facing daunting challenges. I am sure we will surmount them with a common and coherent approach. We assure you our unflinching support," the army chief said. The CoAS was awarded Turkish Legend of Merit for services for regional peace, courageously handling terrorism menace, clarity in direction and sense of purpose in leading Pakistan Army and fighting barbarian terrorists successfully in an exemplary way.