COAS lauds Turkish forces for conducting multinational exercise

RAWALPINDI (92 News) – Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif witnessed multinational military Exercise "EFES" in two sittings – last night and then on Tuesday. According to the ISPR, Turkish CGS Gen Hulusi Akar welcomed the COAS in area. Turkish, US, UK, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Azerbaijan and contingent of Pak Armed Forces participated in the exercise. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and defense minister also attended the exercise. The Turkish president held a meeting with COAS General Raheel Sharif and thanked for Pakistan’s participation and his personal presence to witness the exercise. He said that Pakistan’s participation in the exercise will enhance existing close friendly ties. “In our bid to share military experience and enhance training exchanges, Pak Army conducted 52 joint military exercises – both inland and abroad – during last three years,” he said. Turkish President Erdogan praised Pak Army's accomplishments in Operation Zarb-e-Azb and contributions to regional peace and stability. The COAS appreciated Turkish forces for outstanding conduct of the exercise of such magnitude and scope.