According to the media wing of the military, the opening ceremony of the trilateral drill was hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku on Sunday (12 September).
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announcement, the exercise will take place from September 11 to 22, 2021 in the counter-terrorism domain. The announcement by ISPR added that “Special forces from Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey are participating in the subject exercise.”
The national anthem of the three countries (Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey) was played while the raising of their flags. A minute of silence was also observed to give respect to the martyrs.
Lt. Col. Aamir Shahzad and Lt. Col. Kursat Konuk, delegation heads of Pakistan and Turkey respectively said that the existing bond of friendship of the nations and armies will change the global environment by standing the test of time.
The Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan gave a statement which said, “This is the first such drills among the three brotherly countries. The goal of the exercise is to improve cooperation among the special forces and to share knowledge and experience.”
Pakistan also hosted a joint military exercise in February, titled Ataturk-XI 2021, between Pakistani and Turkish special forces at the Special Service Group Headquarters in Tarbela.
The ISPR said, “The three-week-long exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations including cordon and search techniques, built-up area clearance drills with combat aviation support, hostage rescue. Freefall by paratroopers and martial arts were also practiced during the training.”
Pakistan and Turkey have a good relationship, but recent regional developments have pulled the two countries even closer together. Both countries also agreed to deepen their relationship through defense cooperation and focused on the need for early implementation of the ‘Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Economic Framework.’
Islamabad and Ankara have long had tight defense ties. Joint training between special forces from both countries is held on a regular basis to improve abilities and coordination.
