ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey on Thursday agreed to enhance defence cooperation covering training, exchange visits, and the co-production of defence equipment while the armed forces of the two countries will also cement their bonds with high level visits.

This agreement was made during the 12th round of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) meeting held in the Defence Ministry. The meeting continued for two days. According to a statement released by a Defence Ministry spokesperson, Defence Secretary, Zamirul Hasan Shah, led the Pakistani delegation while the Turkish delegation was led by Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff, General Umit Dundar.

Prior to holding of the plenary session, General Umit had a meeting with Zamir. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, including a whole spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation were discussed. Both leaders expressed their concern regarding terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Turkey. The defence secretary apprised the visiting delegation about the successes achieved by Pakistan as a result of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the National Action Plan. Both sides deliberated upon various areas of interest, including security, counterterrorism and the prevailing regional environment – particularly with reference to Afghanistan and the Middle East. In addition, delegations took stock of the measures that have been taken since the last meeting held in Turkey in October 2015.

General Umit also held meetings with the defence minister, Joint Chief of Staff Committee Chairman, General Zubair Hayat, Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Bajwa and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman.

The highlight of the HLMDG meeting was that both sides agreed to work towards a Comprehensive Bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement which must encompass all facets of cooperation. Talks were held in a most cordial and congenial atmosphere and delegation leaders resolved to work together for enhanced cooperation in defence and security related fields. It was agreed that the 13th round of the meeting would be held in Turkey.