ISLAMABAD: Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Defence and Commander of the Air Defence Forces and Air Force, Major General Burkhonov Akhmad Jamalovich, has expressed a desire to strengthen Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration with Pakistan, a military statement said on Wednesday.
During a meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, Major General Burkhonov Akhmad Jamalovich emphasised the need for joint training in the face of evolving security threats.
“Matters pertaining to mutual interest, avenues to enhance bilateral military cooperation, joint training and technological collaboration in the aerospace domains were discussed during the meeting,” said a statement issued by Pakistan’s army’s media wing ISPR.
It said the Chief of the Air Staff highlighted the robust bilateral military ties between the two brotherly countries and assured that PAF is committed to extending full support for the basic to tactical-level training for pilots, as well as technical training of maintenance crews for capacity building of the personnel of Uzbekistan Air Force.
“The Air Chief further said that both Pakistan and Uzbekistan enjoy long-standing religious and cultural bonds which are based on convergence on all important issues related to regional peace and security,” said the statement.
It added Major General Burkhonov Akhmad Jamalovich lauded the historic and exemplary professionalism demonstrated by the personnel of Pakistan Air Force and praised PAF’s notable progress in developing a thriving domestic capability in the aviation industry.
“The dignitary articulated his desire for enhanced Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration between the two countries, emphasising the need for joint training in the face of evolving security threats,” the ISPR said.
According to the statement, the Uzbek commander also expressed his earnest desire to expand the existing Mushshak aircraft fleet of the Uzbek Air Force, through procurement from Pakistan Air Force.
“Both the commanders agreed on the establishment of a more comprehensive two-way exchange of expertise with a specific focus on niche and disruptive technologies in the domains of Cyber, Space and Electronic Warfare capabilities,” the ISPR said.
Upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to Major General Burkhonov Akhmad Jamalovich.
The delegation also visited PAF Cyber Command and National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre established at Air Headquarters, where it was briefed about the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force.
“The visit of this high-level defence delegation of Uzbekistan to Air Headquarters Islamabad signifies a resolute commitment of both countries to reinforce their military partnership, fostering collaboration and promoting robust relations,” the ISPR statement said.
The meeting comes at a time when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with the Central Asian country.
During the visit, the two countries signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements to further bolster cooperation between the two nations in diverse sectors.
