U.S. and Turkiye Strengthen Defense Ties at High-Level Meeting in Ankara
May 5, 2025 | Department of Defense News
On April 28, 2025, senior defense officials from the United States and Turkiye convened in Ankara for the latest round of the U.S.-Turkiye High Level Defense Group (HLDG) talks. The meeting aimed to deepen bilateral defense cooperation and address strategic priorities aligned with broader NATO objectives.
Katherine Thompson, Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, led the U.S. delegation. She was joined by Maj. Gen. Sean Salene of U.S. Central Command and Brig. Gen. Quaid Quadri of U.S. European Command. The Turkish delegation was led by Maj. Gen. Ilkay Altindag, Director General for Defense and Security at the Ministry of National Defense.
The discussions advanced key agenda items promoted by President Trump’s administration, including enhanced NATO defense spending, increased European defense leadership, and a renewed commitment to the U.S.-Turkiye partnership. The delegations also addressed major regional security concerns, including developments in Syria and Ukraine, and explored expanded collaboration in defense industrial sectors.
As part of her visit, Ms. Thompson also toured Incirlik Air Base to review ongoing operations and strategic infrastructure.
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