Pakistan-Turkey to continue defence cooperation

ISLAMABAD: 13th round of Turkey-Pakistan high level military dialogue group (HLMDG) meeting was held at Ankara on Wednesday, during the meeting both delegations discussed all avenues of mutual cooperation in military training, defense industry, regional security and in the fight against terrorism.

According to an official statement, prior to the meeting lieutenant general (R) Zamir-ul-Hassan Shah had meetings with Turkish armed forces chief general Hulusi Akar and Turkish deputy chief of general staff general Umit Dundar.

Both sides deliberated upon various areas of interest including security, counter terrorism (CT) and the prevailing regional environment, particularly with reference to Middle East and south Asia including Afghanistan.

Besides, delegations took stock of the progress that had emerged since the last HLMDG meeting held in Pakistan in January 2017.

Shah also held meetings with the Turkish defence minister, defense industry under-secretary and visited defense industrial firms particularly Aselsan, Tai, Havelsan and Roketsan.

He visited significant cultural sites in Konya and Istanbul.

Talks were held in a most cordial and congenial atmosphere.

Delegation leaders resolved to enhance cooperation in defense and security related issues.

It was agreed that 14th round of Pakistan-Turkey meeting will be held in Pakistan in 2018.

Dundar led the Turkish delegation while Shah led Pakistani delegation in the talks.