Asim Munir meets Erdogan as Pakistan, Turkiye move to deepen strategic defence ties

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir held a series of high-level meetings with Turkiye's political and military leadership during an official visit to Ankara, including talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as the two countries sought to deepen their strategic and defence partnership amid a shifting regional security landscape.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan military, Munir's engagements focused on regional security, defence cooperation and broader bilateral ties between the long-standing allies.

The visit comes at a time when Pakistan and Turkiye are seeking to expand military collaboration, enhance defence-industrial cooperation and coordinate more closely on regional and international issues.

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During the visit, Munir met President Erdogan and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, where the leaders reviewed matters of mutual interest and exchanged views on regional developments.

"Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir called on President HE Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Minister of National Defence, Yasar Guler, to discuss matters of mutual interest and regional security,” the ISPR said.

“These high-level deliberations underscored the shared vision of both nations to foster a more robust strategic partnership in the evolving geopolitical environment.”

The Pakistani military described the discussions as part of ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen political, strategic and security coordination at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty across West Asia, South Asia and the broader region.

As part of his military engagements, Munir was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Turkish General Staff Headquarters before holding extensive talks with Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu.

According to the ISPR, the two military leaders held a "detailed meeting" focused on regional security developments, defence cooperation and professional military matters of common interest.

The visit also saw a significant recognition of Munir's role in advancing military ties between the two countries. The Pakistani army chief was awarded the Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal by General Bayraktaroglu.

The honour was conferred in recognition of his “meritorious services and commitment to bolstering bilateral military cooperation”, the statement said.

The award reflects the growing defence relationship between Islamabad and Ankara, which has expanded considerably in recent years through military exchanges, training programmes, defence procurement and strategic consultations.

Munir also met General Metin Tokel, Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, at the force's headquarters, where discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.

Highlighting the broader significance of the visit, the Pakistani military said the engagements reflected a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral defence ties and promoting regional stability.

“The visit of the Field Marshal signifies the resolve of both nations to further strengthen their multifaceted defence relationship and continue their joint efforts for regional peace and stability,” the ISPR said.

Beyond official meetings, Munir paid tribute to Türkiye's founding leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during a visit to Anıtkabir, the national mausoleum in Ankara.

The army said he laid a floral wreath and paid respects to Atatürk, acknowledging his role in shaping modern Türkiye and recognising the historical links between the Turkish and Pakistani peoples.

The visit is the latest in a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, whose leaders have maintained close diplomatic and defence contacts over the years.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Turkiye last week for discussions with President Erdogan, while senior military officials from both sides have also intensified engagements in recent months.

Last month, Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel visited Pakistan, where he held meetings with Field Marshal Munir as well as Pakistan's naval and air force chiefs.

Türkiye and Pakistan share longstanding political, defence and cultural ties, with both countries frequently expressing support for each other's positions on regional and international issues. Their defence cooperation has expanded steadily over the past decade, encompassing military training, joint exercises, defence technology collaboration and regular strategic dialogue between their armed forces.

With inputs from agencies