Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic & defence relationship with Türkiye: CAS Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu

ISLAMABAD, June 22 (SABAH): A delegation led by General Atilla Gulan, Commander Turkish Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office on Thursday. During the meeting, several key areas of mutual interest along with regional developments were discussed.

On his arrival, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented General Atilla Gulan the guard of honour. He also laid floral wreath on the martyrs’ monument. Later, the visiting dignitary was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers.

During the meeting, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, shared broad contours of PAF’s modernization plan of smart acquisitions from allied countries, upgradation of infrastructure and revamping of training. Air Chief highlighted that both the countries enjoy long-standing religious and historic relationship which is manifested through unprecedented strategic partnership. He also reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties in military-to-military cooperation, strategic alliance and the training domain.

The Air Chief further said, “Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and defence relationship with Türkiye which is based on convergence on all important issues relating to regional peace, security and stability. The two brotherly countries have never left each other stranded in times of need and Pakistan Air Force will remain committed to providing training and capacity-building assistance to the Turkish Air Force.” The Air Chief further remarked that PAF pilots are playing an active role in training Turkish aircrew on a variety of aircraft, including trainers and fighters.

General Atilla Gulan, Commander Turkish Air Force, commended the professionalism of PAF and acknowledged its rising indigenous capacity in aviation industry. He also expressed keen interest in the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park which is being spearheaded by Pakistan Air Force, and appreciated the unwavering commitment of the Air Chief in making the project a huge success. The visiting dignitary highlighted that both the countries enjoy cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries. Both the commanders agreed to explore further avenues of bilateral cooperation including collaboration for joint production of military hardware with special focus on fifth-generation aircraft and unmanned aerial platforms.

During his visit, Government of Pakistan conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Atilla Gulan, which is the highest Non-Operational Military Award, in recognition of further strengthing the brotherly Bonds amongst the two Nations. The Turkish Air Force Commander also visited different installations and technological infrastructure established at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, including PAF’s National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre (NIIAOC) and PAF’s Cyber Command, where he was briefed about the operational capabilities and ongoing projects of PAF’s modernization drive.