June 22, 2006	Thursday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 25, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, June 21: Chief of the Air Staff Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed witnessed the culminating point of high-intensity air operations ‘Exercise Anatolian Eagle’ in Turkey.

Pakistan Air Force’s contingent of six F-16 multi-role aircraft is also taking part in one of the biggest and the most complex air exercises of the world.

A press release issued by the PAF here on Wednesday said that interaction with friendly air forces of the world had always been a priority of PAF Air Staff. Mutual visits and joint air exercises in Pakistan and abroad have been a learning ground for the PAF and allied forces.

The PAF contingent led by Group Captain Azhar Hassan Rizvi flew out to Turkey, routing through friendly Islamic countries, where a warm welcome was accorded to it.

The flying operations at Turkey would not only supplement training of PAF officers and men but would also serve as a milestone in strengthening ties among the participating countries.

The air force chief, during his visit, interacted with the personnel of the PAF as well as those of other participating air forces.

Besides PAF, air forces of the United States, Germany, France and Turkey are orchestrating air battle scenarios in a demanding operational environment.

The first Anatolian Eagle joint military exercise by the US, Turkey, and Israel took place over southern Turkey for 13 days in June 2001. Besides, the American and the Turkish forces regularly practice as Nato allies.