ANKARA, 29 January 2014: The two brotherly countries of Turkey and Pakistan have pledged to intensify efforts for further promoting cooperation in the defence field. Various proposals to this effect were discussed by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain with the Turkish Defence Minister and other defence industry executives here in Ankara. 

Leading a defence delegation, Rana Tanveer Hussain is visiting Turkey from 28 January to 3 February at the invitation of Turkish Defence Minister Mr. İsmet Yılmaz.

During his interaction with the Turkish defence industry leadership, the Pakistani Minister is discussing proposals for transfer of technology, possibility of export of defence equipment/services and briefing the hosts about the initiatives and progress made by Pakistan in defence production sector. 

Upon his arrival at the Turkish Defence Ministry on Tuesday, the visiting Pakistani dignitary was warmly received by the Defence Minister Mr. İsmet Yılmaz who introduced him to his senior officers who were present alongwith the minister for reception. Later on, both the Ministers discussed matters pertaining to further boosting defence ties. They renewed the commitment to work towards exploring opportunities for joint ventures. They discussed progress on the ongoing defence projects including midlife upgradation of F-16 fighter aircrafts of Pakistan at Turkish Aerospace Industries, construction of Logistics Support Ship for Pakistan Navy by STM of Turkey at Karachi Shipyard, etc. 

Both the Ministers also discussed matters of regional security. They exchanged views on the post-2014 scenario in Afghanistan and hoped that the forthcoming Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey summit hosted by President Abdullah Gul would yield positive results for a peaceful transition process in Afghanistan. Rana Tanveer said Pakistan is keen to work together with the friendly countries like Turkey to encourage an Afghan led reconciliation process for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. 

In his meeting with Mr. Murad Bayar, head of the Undersecretariat for the Turkish Defense Industry, the Pakistani Minister expressed the hope that like in the past, Turkish defence industry will showcase their products and participate in the forthcoming International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) being held in Pakistan from 1-4 December 2014.  

The programme of the Pakistan delegation includes visits and detailed briefings at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Military Electronic Industries of Turkey (ASELSAN), Turkish Military Software Corporation (HAVELSAN), Machinery and Chemical Industries (MKEK), MilSOFT, FNSS Defense Systems, etc.  

The visit is part of regular interaction between the defence sector leadership of the two countries and is aimed at further boosting the existing exemplary defence cooperation. 

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