The 10th Round of High Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) meeting concluded on the 3rd day between Pakistan and Turkey in the Ministry of Defence,Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak, Secretary Defence was leading the Pakistani delegation whereas Turkish delegation was headed by General Yasar GULER, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff, Ministry of National Defence.
It may be recalled that the forum of HLMDG was established in 2001 for promoting defence collaboration between both brotherly countries. The 9th Round of HLMDG was held in Ankara, Turkey in October 2013. Under the umbrella of HLMDG, two Sub-Groups are formed, namely (a) Defence Industry Working Group under Ministry of Defence Production and (b) Politico Military Working Group under Joint Staff Headquarters.
The preliminary session opened with a welcome address by the Secretary Defence, Pakistan and the Turkish head of delegation, who are both Co-Chairmen of HLMDG from Pakistan and Turkey respectively. Both groups reviewed the progress and put forth their reports for deliberation before the Co-Chairmen. On reaching consensus based on mutual discussions, the minutes were signed. It was agreed that an Interim Progress Review will be conducted by both sides in April-May 2015 through diplomatic channels.
Pakistan and Turkey discussed regional matters of security and discussed the security paradigm. Both sides appreciated the extent of defence Industrial cooperation and desired to expand it to strategic level.Turkey and Pakistan have been cooperating in training and exercises and Turkish Navy’s participation in Aman Exercise has been significant in the past.
Turkish Delegation visited Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra earlier today. Turkish side showed keen interest in the top of the line JF-17 Thunder Aircraft being built at Kamra. They had a look at the facility and appreciated the skill and technical level of the workers and engineers. Turkish General Yasar Guler on the occasion said that “there is a great scope for Pakistan-Turkey in defence collaboration and aircraft manufacturing, engineering, repair and refurbishment holds lot of potential”.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Ankara next year which will further the process of collaboration and cooperation. Both sides impressed upon implementation of various decisions in true letter and spirit.
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