Welivego

On a historic visit to Turkey on Friday, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu underlined the PAF's commitment to developing a strong collaboration with the Turkish Air Force.

According to a PAF statement released on Friday, the air chief traveled to the friendly nation on a special invitation from the Turkish Presidency to attend the renowned Graduation and Flag Detachment Ceremony as the guest of honor.

Along with other senior military commanders and high-ranking government representatives from around the world, the ceremony was held at the Turkish Air Force Academy. Other attendees included Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah, Minister of State for Defense and Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Qatar, and Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

As the cadets complete their grueling training and begin their careers as Turkish Air Force officers, the event is a source of great satisfaction and accomplishment for them. 

The communiqué further highlighted the deep-seated affinity between the two air forces and increased the significance of the event by having Air Chief Marshal Sidhu present.

The commander of the Turkish Air Force, Ziya Cemal Kadolu, was among the high-ranking guests the air chief interacted with, according to the statement.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan for the cordial invitation and underlined the PAF's dedication to forging a solid partnership with the air force of his nation.

Additionally, he emphasized the shared goals and values that serve as the cornerstone of Pakistan and Turkey's enduring partnership. "The Chief of the Air Staff expressed his unwavering commitment to strengthen the existing bilateral ties in military-to-military cooperation with Turkiye, particularly in the field of defense production, two-way technology sharing, and the joint development of fifth generation fighter aircraft."

In addition, he reaffirmed his intention to strengthen the great friendship between the two countries in the face of common difficulties and expressed a desire to look into new possibilities for cooperation in the defense and aviation industries.

The PAF added that the visit serves as evidence of the strong historical, religious, cultural, and strategic ties that the two countries enjoy and is a follow-up to the recent Strategic Framework Agreement on Defence Collaboration.

Due to this strategic framework, Turkey's top companies have already committed to strategic partnerships by setting up shop in Pakistan's prestigious National Aerospace Science and Technology Park's recently established "Alpha Techno Square."

"Subject framework has the potential to open the door for improved interaction and cooperation across numerous sectors, particularly in technology and aerospace. The partnership has also made joint ventures, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing possible between the two nations, encouraging expansion and innovation in the aerospace sector.

The CAS also met with General Gabor Böröndi, the Chief of General Staff of the Hungarian Defense Forces, when he was abroad. The meeting gave the military leadership of both sides a great chance to engage in meaningful conversations about shared interests, strategic goals, and looking into opportunities for increased cooperation.

The air chief also expressed Pakistan's commitment to fortifying the current alliance with the United States and exploring opportunities for additional defense sector cooperation.

The statement added that the historic visit of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu to Turkiye not only deepens the already strong connections between the two brotherly countries but also demonstrates the countries' continued commitment to cooperating to create a more secure and prosperous region.