KARACHI: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), held separate meetings with chief of Turkish General Staff (TGS) and Air Officer Commanding 22 Group of Royal Air Force (RAF) on Thursday.

Matters of professional and mutual interest were discussed during the meetings, according to a PAF press release.

TGS Chief Gen Yasar Guler commended the professionalism of PAF and acknowledged its developing indigenous capacity in the aviation industry.

The air chief said Pakistan and Turkey had longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the ties.

The Air Officer Commanding 22 Group of RAF, Air Vice Marshal Richard Maddison OBE also called on Air Chief Sidhu. During the meeting, the air chief said Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and defence relations with the United Kingdom.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability. Measures to further enhance professional cooperation between the two countries were also discussed.

Meanwhile, Gen Guler called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad.

During the one-on-one meeting between the dignitaries, matters of mutual interest including bilateral collaborations and regional maritime security milieu were discussed.

Admiral Niazi highlighted Pakistan Navy’s initiative of regional maritime security patrols for ensuring maritime security and peace in the region.

Gen Guler appreciated Pakistan Navy’s efforts and initiatives in support of collaborative maritime security in the region.

Besides, President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday conferred military awards on 41 officers and five jawans in an impressive investiture ceremony at President House, Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2022