Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reached Türkiye on Sunday for an official visit.
His arrival coincides with the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Istanbul, where he is attending a series of high-level diplomatic engagements, including a meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The simultaneous visits of Pakistan’s senior military and diplomatic leadership come as Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia are reportedly preparing for the inaugural committee-level session under the Makkah joint defence agreement recently concluded among the three countries.
Dar arrived in Istanbul earlier on Sunday after completing his official visit to the United Kingdom. He is due to attend the Regional 4 (R-4) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where discussions are expected to focus on regional security, diplomatic coordination and efforts to ease tensions.
The Foreign Office said Dar was welcomed at the airport by Turkish Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration Brigadier General Şenol Varol, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid, Turkish Foreign Ministry Ambassador Cihad Erginay and other senior officials.
Following his arrival, Dar visited the shrine of Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (RA) in Istanbul and offered prayers for Pakistan’s peace, prosperity and stability, as well as for unity across the Muslim Ummah.
The R-4 meeting is taking place against the backdrop of persistent regional tensions and a lack of progress in ongoing negotiations. The participating countries are expected to exchange views on security challenges, diplomatic cooperation and initiatives aimed at advancing regional peace.
The Foreign Office has said the R-4 platform demonstrates the participating countries’ shared resolve to maintain consultations, strengthen cooperation and coordinate efforts aimed at achieving peace and prosperity in the region.
