On April 28, 2025, the Department of Defense and the Turkish Ministry of National Defense held a High Level Defense Group (HLDG) in Ankara, Turkiye.
Katherine Thompson, performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, led the U.S. delegation with the participation of Maj. Gen. Sean Salene, Director of Plans, Policy, and Strategy at U.S. Central Command and Brig. Gen. Quaid Quadri, Deputy Director for Plans, Strategy, and Capabilities at U.S. European Command. Maj. Gen. Ilkay Altindag, Director General for Defense and Security in the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, led the Turkish delegation and hosted the dialogue. Ms. Thompson also visited Incirlik Air Base.
The dialogue advanced key agenda items for President Trump including on defense spending goals for the NATO alliance, greater European leadership on defense, and commitment to strengthening ties with Turkiye. In line with the Administration's priorities, the delegations also discussed a wide range of functional and regional issues, including Syria, Ukraine, and defense industrial cooperation.
