ANKARA, August 5, 2025 — Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff Pakistan, was conferred Turkiye’s Legion of Merit in recognition of his role in advancing defense and maritime cooperation. The award was presented by Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, during an official ceremony in Ankara.
Admiral Ashraf, accorded a guard of honor on arrival, met with Turkiye’s Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak. Discussions focused on regional maritime security, joint exercises, professional exchanges, and training collaboration.
His visit also included tours of the Istanbul Naval Shipyard and Golcuk Naval Base, where he reviewed submarine construction and received updates on the Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM project. He additionally paid tribute at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Officials said the visit reaffirmed Pakistan–Turkiye’s deep-rooted cultural and defense ties, further cementing naval cooperation between the two allies.
