Pakistan and Turkey take bilateral defence cooperation into strategic partnership
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Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), reaffirmed Pakistan Air Force's unwavering dedication to strengthening its partnership with the Turkish Air Force during his historic visit to Turkiye. The occasion was marked by his attendance as the guest of honor at the prestigious Graduation and Flag Detachment Ceremony, a special invitation extended by the Turkish Presidency.
This momentous event took place at the Turkish Air Force Academy and saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah, Minister of State for Defence and Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Qatar, and Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, alongside senior military leaders and high-ranking state officials from around the globe.
For the graduating cadets, this ceremony signified the culmination of their rigorous training, symbolizing the beginning of their careers as Turkish Air Force officers. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu's participation in this event further emphasized the profound camaraderie shared between the two air forces.
During his visit, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu engaged with various high-level dignitaries, including Commander of the Turkish Air Force, Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the warm invitation and reiterated the PAF's commitment to strengthening its alliance with the Turkish Air Force.
The CAS emphasized the shared values and aspirations that underpin the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Turkiye. He conveyed his steadfast commitment to enhancing the existing bilateral ties in military-to-military cooperation, particularly in the realms of defense production, mutual technology sharing, and the collaborative development of fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Furthermore, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reaffirmed his determination to deepen the robust bond of friendship that unites the two nations in the face of common challenges and expressed a desire to explore additional avenues of collaboration within the defense and aviation sectors. This visit stands as a testament to the commitment of both countries to fostering enduring ties and cooperation in the realm of defense and aviation
