ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday launched the welding of the third warship to be constructed for Pakistan Navy under MILGEM project at a graceful ceremony in Istanbul.
Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi also accompanied President Erdogan at the groundbreaking of the third out of a total of four Milgem Ada-class corvette for Pakistan.
Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mustafa Şentop, Minister of National Defence of Turkey Hulusi Akar, Chief of Turkish General Staff General Yaşar Guler, Commander of Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Adnan Ozbal, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony that also included launching of 1st Turkish Navy Istanbul Class frigate.
Addressing at the ceremony, President Erdogan said “Pakistan is our brotherly country with whom Turkey enjoys excellent relations.” He underscored that the defence collaboration for the construction of MILGEM class warships was another milestone in Turkey-Pakistan defence ties.
President Tayyap Erdogan said both Pakistan and Turkey were living in difficult geographies and both countries were facing similar challenges. He highlighted that Turkey would continue to support friendly and allied countries in the defence field.
Referring to his visit of Pakistan last year, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the two countries signed a Strategic Economic Framework that would provide the necessary institutional framework to further enhance bilateral ties.
All Turkish dignitaries who spoke at the ceremony hailed exemplary Pakistan-Turkey brotherly relations. They also reiterated Turkey’s support to Pakistan on the core issues of its national interest.
Later, President Erdogan, Ambassador Syrus Qazi and other dignitaries jointly performed the “Welding Ceremony” of the 3rd Milgem corvette.
Milgem vessels are 99 metres long with a displacement capacity of 2,400 tonnes and can move at a speed of 29 nautical miles.
These anti-submarine combat frigates, which can be hidden from the radar, will further enhance the defence capability of the Pakistan Navy.
Under the project, 4 corvettes are being built, two in Turkey and two in Pakistan. This prestigious project embodies transfer of technology as well as upgrade of Karachi Shipyard.
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