NNI, RAWALPINDI, : Matters related to Pakistan Turkey defence relations and other related issues of mutual concern were discussed in the opening session of the second meeting of the High Level Military Dialogue Group which started in Rawalpindi Wednesday.
General Liker Basbug, Deputy Chief of the Turkish general Staff and Lt Gen (Retd) Hamid Nawaz Khan, secretary defence co-chaired the opening session. In his opening remarks, the secretary defence said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoy a very close and cordial relationship in political, economic defence and technical fields. Both countries share common perception and concerns on the regional and international issues. Dwelling upon the defence relations between Pakistan and Turkey, the secretary maintained that outstanding relationship exists between the armed forces of the two countries that is reflective of the cordiality and warmth of our bilateral relations.
In connection with the build up of conventional and non-conventional capabilities by India, the secretary said that acquisition of sophisticated and offensive military hardware by India from all parts of the world including Israel would destabilize South Asia an derode strategic deterrence. The secretary proposed choosing of specific items of defence equipment needed by the armed forces of both countries for joint production. He said that this will inculcate a spirit of cooperation and collaboration for mutual benefits rather than competition between the two countries in common areas of interest. Reciprocating the feelings, General Ilker Basbug said that he was not aware of any other example in the world of such sincere and brotherly feelings binding two nations as those existing between the Turkish and Pakistani people. It is above all this fact that makes it our duty to develop our relations in all fields to a level worthy of the mutual affection between our two societies, he added. He said that Turkey is greatly concerned about eh problems between Pakistan and India especially the Kashmir issue. He reiterated Turkey
