ANKARA, 30
October 2015: The 11th meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level
Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) was held in Ankara on 27-28 October 2015.
Defence Secretary Lt. General (Retd.) Muhammad Alam Khattak led the Pakistan
delegation, while Deputy Chief of Turkish Armed Forces GeneralYaşar Güler
headed the Turkish delegation.
Lt. General (Retd.) Muhammad
Alam Khattak, in his
speech at the inaugural session, stated that both Pakistan and Turkey enjoy
close relations and havesimilarity of views on all international issues. He
particularly referred to the existing excellent cooperation between the Pakistan and Turkish armed forces and their mutual
desire to further intensifying these ties. He also briefed about the successful
military operation Zarb-e-Azb.
During the
proceedings, the proposed programme for training and exchange of visits to be
held during 2016 among the armed forces of the two countries was finalized. Both
sides also reviewed progress in the field of bilateral defence cooperation and
agreed to further enhance the scope of mutual collaboration. The two sides reaffirmed
their commitment to continue to work closely for the promotion of sustainable peace
and stability in the region.
The Defence
Secretary during his stay called on the Commander of Turkish Armed Forces
General Hulusi Akar, Undersecretary for National Defence Lt. General Sezai
Bostanci, and Undersecretary for Defence Industries Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir. Ambassador
of Pakistan Sohail Mahmood also attended these meetings. The Pakistan delegation
visited the Military Electronic Industries of Turkey (ASELSAN) as well.
Both sides
signed an agreement for the transfer of 34 T-37 aircraft and spares, whereby
Turkey will provide these on gratis basis.
The HLMDG is the highest level of
institutional mechanism between Pakistan and Turkey, mandated to charter
policies and action plans to promote ties in the defence field. The next session
of the HLMDG will be held in Pakistan in 2016.
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