Defence Minister Yaşar Güler praises Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace, says Türkiye-Pakistan military cooperation is a key pillar of strategic partnership

ANKARA, Friday, September 4, 2026 (WNP): Turkish National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has described Pakistan as a strategic partner and inseparable part of Türkiye’s spiritual geography, reaffirming Ankara’s commitment to deepening defence, security and broader cooperation with Islamabad.

Addressing a reception in Ankara marking Pakistan Defence and Martyrs’ Day, attended by the Turkish Armed Forces’ senior command echelon, Minister Güler congratulated the people of Pakistan and paid tribute to the country’s martyrs and veterans who sacrificed for its independence, sovereignty and security.

Güler said relations between Türkiye and Pakistan were rooted in shared historical memory, deep fraternal ties and unwavering mutual trust, with the two nations consistently standing by each other in times of both joy and adversity.

“For us, Pakistan is not only a friendly country but an inseparable part of our spiritual geography, a strategic partner with whom we share the same ideals and values,” he said.

He noted that the longstanding brotherhood between the two countries had evolved into multidimensional cooperation encompassing diplomacy, defence and security, the economy, education and technology.

The Turkish Defence Minister said military cooperation remained one of the strongest pillars of the Türkiye-Pakistan strategic partnership.

He highlighted the growing level of cooperation between the two armed forces through joint training activities and exercises, personnel exchange programmes and reciprocal sharing of experience, expressing satisfaction over the increasing solidarity and interoperability between the two countries.

Güler also thanked the Pakistan Army for organising a special reception in Türkiye the previous week to mark Türkiye’s August 30 Victory Day, describing the gesture as a meaningful expression of brotherhood. He particularly acknowledged the contributions of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in this regard.

Güler said Türkiye and Pakistan carried important responsibilities not only for their own national security but also for promoting peace, stability and international security in their respective region and beyond.

He particularly praised Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at preserving regional peace and stability, saying Islamabad’s efforts to help end the conflict between Iran and the United States, secure a ceasefire and establish lasting peace had been closely observed in Ankara.

He said Pakistan’s hosting of meetings between the parties, its constructive efforts to halt hostilities and its broader diplomatic engagement had received appreciation from the international community.

“Türkiye is acting in close consultation and coordination with its strategic partner Pakistan, which has taken a leading role in such a critical matter,” Güler said.

The Turkish Defence Minister welcomed the Joint Defence Agreement signed in Makkah between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calling it a historic step that further institutionalises the deep-rooted ties and mutual confidence among the three countries.

He said the agreement, based on the principle of collective deterrence, would strengthen common security, enhance military interoperability and further promote cooperation in the defence industry.

Güler expressed confidence that the agreement would make a significant contribution to regional peace and stability.

He noted that the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah defence framework had been held in Türkiye during the week, with authorised representatives of the three countries participating.

The meeting discussed the institutional structure of the alliance and the principles governing its strategic cooperation, he said.

Güler expressed the hope that the strong strategic resolve demonstrated by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia—three countries possessing significant capabilities, resources and capacities—would contribute to the security, stability and prosperity of their peoples and the wider region.

Concluding his remarks, the Turkish Defence Minister once again congratulated Pakistan on its Defence and Martyrs’ Day and extended his wishes for the health, peace and prosperity of the Pakistani people.

He reaffirmed the enduring bond between the two nations with a message celebrating the Türkiye-Pakistan brotherhood and fraternity.