ANKARA: The 13th meeting of Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) was held in Ankara from February 19 to 23. The Pakistan delegation was led by Defense Secretary Lt. Gen. (Retd) Zamir-ul-Hasan Shah while the Turkish delegation was led by Turkish General Staff Deputy Chief General Umit Dundar.
Prior to the meeting, Zamir-ul-Hasan had side-meetings with Chief of Turkish General Staff General Hulus Akar and General Umit Dundar.
Both the delegations discussed all avenues of mutual cooperation in military training, education, defense industry cooperation, regional security and fight against terrorism.
Both sides deliberated upon areas of mutual interest, including security, counter-terrorism and prevailing regional environment particularly with reference to the Middle-East, South Asia and Afghanistan.
Besides that, delegations took stock of the progress that has been made since the last HLMDG meeting held in Pakistan in January 2017.
Zamir-ul-Hasan Shah also held meetings with Turkish National Defense minister and Defense Industry undersecretary before and visiting defense industry firms including ASELSAN, TAI, HAVELSAN and ROKETSAN.
Talks were held in a most cordial and congenial atmosphere. Delegation leaders resolved to enhance cooperation in defense and security-related issues.
The HLMDG is the highest level of institutional coordination between Pakistan and Turkey mandated to charter policies and action plans to promote ties in the defense field.
The next session of Pakistan-Turkey HLMDS meeting will be held in Pakistan in 2019.
