Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Saturday launched the welding of third ship to be constructed for Pakistan Navy under MILGEM project.
Ambassador of Pakistan in Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi also accompanied the Turkish president at the groundbreaking of the third of the four MILGEM Ada class corvette for Pakistan Navy in Istanbul.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, President Erdogan said Pakistan was “our brotherly country with whom Turkey enjoys excellent relations.” He underscored that the defense collaboration for the construction of MILGEM class warships was another milestone in Turkey-Pakistan defense ties.
President Erdogan said both Pakistan and Turkey exist in challenging geographies and both countries face similar challenges. He highlighted that Turkey would continue to support friendly and allied countries in the defense field.
While referring to his last year’s Pakistan visit, President Erdogan said the two countries signed a Strategic Economic Framework that would provide the necessary institutional framework to further enhance bilateral ties.
Under the project, four corvettes are being built, two in Turkey and two in Pakistan. The project embodies transfer of technology as well as upgrade of Karachi Shipyard.
Source: Agencies