Pakistani Air Chief arrives in South Africa to bolster aviation ties
In an effort to bolster bilateral military relations, Air Chief Marshal
Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF),
has embarked on a six-day visit to South Africa. This visit, running from July
29 to August 3, 2024, comes shortly after a similar visit by India’s Air Chief
Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari.
The primary goal of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s visit is to enhance
collaboration between the air forces of Pakistan and South Africa. Both nations
are keen on deepening their defense sector ties and promoting mutual
cooperation.
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Upon his arrival at the South African Air Force (SAAF) transport base in
Waterkloof, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu was warmly greeted by Lieutenant General
Wiseman Mbambo, Chief of the SAAF. The Pakistani delegation, arriving in a
Pakistan Air Force Bombardier Global Express, was welcomed with a ceremony at
Air Force Base Waterkloof.
The visit’s itinerary included a tour of the South African Air Force College
in Thaba Tshwane, a presentation, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Bays Hill
Memorial Site. This visit is notable as it marks the second engagement this
year between high-ranking air force officials from different countries and the
SAAF, following Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari’s visit in May.
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The visit aims to solidify the already positive relations between the PAF
and the SAAF, aligning with the bilateral military cooperation programs planned
for 2024-2025. The activities during the visit focused on exchanging expertise,
exploring joint training opportunities, and fostering a deeper mutual
understanding.
In 2019, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan of the PAF also visited South
Africa, meeting with then-SAAF Chief Lieutenant General Fabian Msimang to
discuss professional matters. This visit further builds on the memorandum of
understanding (MoU) concluded in 2017 to enhance bilateral defense cooperation.
Source: https://www.military.africa/