News Desk
- Meeting encompassed discussions on evolving regional security dynamics: ISPR
- Progress of ongoing defence cooperation and prospects for future collaboration discussed
- PAF chief highlights “enduring brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye”
RAWALPINDI: Turkish Minister for Defence Yaşar Güler and Chief of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu agreed on the establishment of dedicated joint working groups to streamline and accelerate progress across various sectors of mutual interest on Wednesday.
A high-level delegation led by Yaşar Güler called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu during a visit to PAF Headquarters in Islamabad, a statement issued by Pakistan military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
“The meeting encompassed discussions on evolving regional security dynamics, progress of ongoing defence cooperation and prospects for future collaboration in emerging domains of warfare,” it said.
During the meeting, the chief of the air staff highlighted the “enduring brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye”, emphasising the common aspirations and strategic convergence that bind the two nations, the ISPR communique read.
“Steadfast resolve”
He reaffirmed PAF’s “steadfast resolve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the domains of advanced training and aerospace technologies.”
The Turkish minister of defence expressed gratitude to the air chief for the “warm reception and gracious hospitality extended by the PAF.
“He lauded PAF’s exceptional performance under the insightful leadership of Air Chief in the recent conflict with India, commending its operational preparedness and resolute defence of national sovereignty, the statement noted.
Highlighting the longstanding fraternal ties between Turkiye and Pakistan, Yaşar Güler conveyed Turkiye’s earnest desire to bolster bilateral defence relations through deeper industry-to-industry collaboration.
Joint ventures
He particularly emphasised the need to explore joint ventures in cutting-edge domains, including niche disruptive technologies, advanced avionics and unmanned aerial systems. The Turkish defence minister also expressed his appreciation for PAF’s continued support in the pilot exchange programme, which he termed as a vital initiative for fostering professional growth and operational understanding between the two air forces.
“Both dignitaries concurred on finalising the modalities for enhanced training collaboration and reaffirmed their strong commitment to expanding the scale and scope of joint bilateral and multilateral air exercises. The visit of Turkish Minister of Defence to Air Headquarters, Islamabad reflects the shared commitment of both the brotherly nations to enhance strategic cooperation, solidify defence ties and promote lasting institutional linkages between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Turkiye,” the ISPR statement read.
