Ankara, 2 September 2023 (TDI): Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), was honored as the Guest of Honour at a prestigious Graduation and Flag Detachment Ceremony.
It was held at the Turkish Air Force Academy. This significant event marked a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted camaraderie and commitment between Pakistan and Türkiye in the realm of military cooperation.
The ceremony, which took place following a special invitation by Turkiye’s President Rajab Tayyip Erdogan, witnessed the presence of distinguished guests.
It included Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah, Minister of State for Defence & Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Qatar, and Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Alongside senior military commanders and high-level state officials from around the world were also present.
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Graduating cadets, having completed their rigorous training, celebrated their achievements as they embarked on their journey as officers of the Turkish Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s presence as the Guest of Honour underscored the strength of the relationship between the two air forces.
During the event, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu engaged with various high-level dignitaries, including General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Commander of the Turkish Air Force.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the warm invitation and reiterated PAF’s commitment to fostering a robust partnership with the Turkish Air Force.
Emphasizing the shared values and aspirations that form the bedrock of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Turkiye, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted his unwavering commitment to enhancing bilateral ties.
This commitment extends to military cooperation, with a particular focus on defense production, technology sharing, and the joint development of cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
This visit serves as a testament to the historical, religious, cultural, and strategic bonds that unite Pakistan and Turkiye.
Notably, Turkiye’s leading firms have committed to strategic partnerships by establishing offices in Pakistan’s esteemed National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, known as the ‘Alpha Techno Square.’
This collaboration opens doors for joint ventures, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing, thereby fostering growth and innovation in the aerospace industry.
Additionally, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu held discussions with General Gabor Böröndi, Chief of General Staff of the Hungarian Defence Forces, during his overseas trip.
These discussions focused on mutual interests, strategic objectives, and potential avenues for enhanced cooperation.
