ISLAMABAD: Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, held a series of high-level meetings with senior Turkish defence, air force and aerospace officials during an official visit to Turkiye, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation in defence and emerging technologies.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Air Force, the air chief met Ziya Cemal Kadıoglu, Yasar Guler and Selcuk Bayraktar during the visit.
At the Turkish Air Force Headquarters, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of the Turkish Air Force. The two air chiefs discussed matters of mutual interest and reviewed avenues for enhancing operational cooperation between the two forces.
The discussions focused on strengthening interoperability through bilateral military exercises, professional exchange programmes and advanced training initiatives aimed at improving operational coordination between the Pakistan Air Force and the Turkish Air Force.
General Kadıoglu appreciated the PAF’s continued assistance in the training of Turkish pilots, describing it as an important initiative for promoting professional understanding between the two air forces, the statement said.
During his meeting with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, the air chief discussed bilateral defence cooperation and collaboration in multiple domains, including aerospace and capacity building.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and reiterated the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The Turkish defence minister appreciated the modernization drive and professionalism of the PAF under its current leadership and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in training and aerospace development.
In a separate meeting with Baykar Technologies CTO Selcuk Bayraktar, discussions focused on aerospace innovation, unmanned aerial systems and emerging defence technologies.
The visit reflects the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye and both sides’ commitment to closer collaboration in defence, aerospace and advanced technological fields, the statement added.
