Daily Times

ISLAMABAD – President Mamnoon Hussain conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon Commander Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu at a ceremony here on Tuesday.

The ceremony was attended among others by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zakaullah and the Defence Secretary. Later, talking to the Turkish Admiral, the president expressed satisfaction over the existing cooperation between the two armed forces.

He said the two countries had strong ties and appreciated Admiral Bostanoglu for his role in cementing the relationship further. He said the successful high level defence talks between Pakistan and Turkey held early last year would enhance their mutual ties.

The president said there was vast potential for the naval forces of the countries to increase their cooperation, which should be exploited. He expressed pleasure over the accord between the two countries for the construction of tanker having capacity of 16,000 tons at the Karachi Shipyard for the Pakistan Navy. He also applauded the role of Turkey for peace in Afghanistan.