Pretoria, 25 July 2022 (TDI): The Military General of Pakistan and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan, Nadeem Raja, made an official visit to South Africa.
The Chief of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) sent an invitation for the visit. At the airport, South African Vice Admiral Kugu, Pakistan High Commissioner Mazhar Javed, and Defense Advisor Brigadier Shahryar received General Nadeem.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Pakistan, Gen. Nadeem Raza arrived in South Africa on an official visit on the invitation of Chief of South African National Defense Force (SANDF). Was received at the airport by Vice Admiral Kugu, HC Dr. Mazhar Javed and DA Brig Shehryar. pic.twitter.com/lNy3jdJq7d
— Pakistan High Commission South Africa (@PKinSouthAfrica) July 24, 2022
Prior to this, former Fleet Commander and Naval Chief of South Africa, Admiral Robert William Higgs met, with Pakistan’s High Commissioner. Both officials discussed cordial relations and military cooperation.
Furthermore, earlier this year, in March, the Chief of the South African Navy, Admiral Mosuwa, paid a visit to Pakistan. He also met with Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi.
The previous year, in July, SANDF Cheif made an official visit to Pakistan. He met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of Army Staff.
Officials discussed matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation, training, defense, and security cooperation between the two countries.
Military ties between two states
Pakistan and South Africa share close military relations. Military leaders of both states have made many high-level visits. Additionally, dozens of South African National Defense Force members have undergone training in Pakistan.
The Pakistani military also sends students to the Army College in South Africa. As a result, Pakistan accepts South African officers for staff college training.
Pakistan also trains personnel in special forces roles. In 2019, around 40 South African commanders were trained in Pakistan.
Moreover, Pakistani Special Forces trained South African soldiers in counter-terrorism and special operations in the past. Both countries have also developed military hardware technological bases
Pakistan attaches great importance to its ties with South Africa under its ‘Look Africa’ policy. Pakistan and South Africa’s defense relations have significant potential for future cooperation and expansion.
