ISLAMABAD, June 28: Pakistan and Turkey have resolved to consolidate defence collaboration between the two countries. This was agreed during the fourth meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey high-level military dialogue group held here Wednesday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary Defence Lt-Gen (retd) Tariq Waseem Ghazi and Deputy Chief of the Turkish General Staff Gen Isik Kosaner.

The secretary defence said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed very close relationship in political, economic, defence and technical fields which needed to be strengthened, particularly in the field of defence.

The deputy chief of the Turkish general staff said that relations between the two countries were being strengthened and the current meeting would give an impetus to improving the existing relations.

Later, the Pakistani side gave a comprehensive presentation on regional security perspective and Pakistan armed forces’ role in fighting terrorism and peacekeeping under the United Nations.

The Turkish side was informed about counter-terrorism efforts made by Pakistan and its valuable contribution towards peacekeeping operations in various parts of the globe.

The meeting identified areas of cooperation and emphasised upon the need for undertaking joint ventures in defence production to promote defence industry cooperation.

The meeting agreed to share technology, expertise and information for the promotion of defence cooperation between the two countries.

It was also decided to increase cooperation in military training.

The group would meet again on Thursday to hold its closing session. — APP