ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Italian Air Force (IAF) have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in professional training besides participating in mutually conducted exercises.

The agreement between both air forces was reached at a meeting held between respective chiefs of the air staff at the headquarters of the IAF in Rome on Friday.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman is currently on an official visit to Italy on invitation of his Italian counterpart, said a statement from the PAF.

On his arrival at the IAF headquarters, he was received by IAF chief Lieutenant General Enzo Veccirelli and was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of the force.

The PAF chief was given a detailed briefing on the working of the IAF and he called on Lt Gen Enzo. They discussed matters of mutual interest.

Air Chief Marshal Aman emphasised the importance of mutual training and conduct of operational exercises between the two air forces to benefit from each other’s experience.

The chief of the IAF accepted the proposal of his Pakistani counterpart to enhance cooperation in professional training and participation in exercises to be conducted by each nation.

Published in Dawn October 29th, 2016