Islamabad, 24 March 2022 (TDI): In two separate meetings in Islamabad, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, met with the Chief of Turkish General Staff and the Air Officer Commanding 22 Group of the Royal Air Force of the UK. Matters of professional and mutual interest were discussed during the meetings.
CHIEF OF THE TURKISH GENERAL STAFF AND AIR OFFICER COMMANDING 22 GROUP ROYAL AIR FORCE CALLED ON AIR CHIEF
24 March, 2022: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force met Chief of Turkish General Staff and Air Officer Commanding 22 Group pic.twitter.com/YWR1OGYsw4— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) March 24, 2022
General Yasar Guler, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, praised PAF’s professionalism and complimented their efforts to build indigenous aviation capabilities.
According to Air Chief Pakistan, Pakistan and Turkey have long-standing religious, cultural, and historical links, which are reflected in strong ties between the two nations’ air forces. The Air Chief reaffirmed his commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Air Vice-Marshal Richard Maddison OBE, Air Officer Commanding 22 Group of the Royal Air Force, of the United Kingdom, also met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, in a separate meeting.
The Air Chief said that Pakistan values its strong political, economic, and defense ties with the United Kingdom. Vice-Marshal Maddison praised Pakistan’s contribution to regional peace and security. He also praised the Pakistan Air Force for their professionalism.
The visiting dignitary promised to contribute to improving Pakistan’s diplomatic and military relations at all levels.
Measures to improve professional interaction between the two countries were also discussed.
Pakistan’s military relations with Turkey and UK:
Pakistan and Turkey have long had military connections. The two countries have collaborated for initiatives and have participated in military exercises. Turkey has also shown open support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
Similarly, Pakistan also maintains cordial military relations with the UK. The ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence organization, was founded by British personnel after their withdrawal from India, and it retains close ties with UK intelligence services and activities. The governments of the two nations also hold frequent meetings and discussions on national security and counter-terrorism issues.
