Pakistan and DR Congo agree to enhance military cooperation
A high-level defence delegation from the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC), led by Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Banza Mwilambwe
Jules, held talks with Pakistan Air Force
(PAF) Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in
Islamabad on Saturday, with both sides discussing ways to deepen defence
cooperation.
The Congolese delegation visited Air Headquarters, where
discussions covered matters of mutual interest, regional security and
opportunities to expand military-to-military engagement between Pakistan and
the DRC.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu highlighted
the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries and stressed the
importance of strengthening bilateral defence ties.
He said the PAF was committed to expanding cooperation
with the DRC, particularly through greater interaction between the armed
forces, professional training and the exchange of operational expertise.
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The Air Chief also briefed the visiting defence chief on
Pakistan’s indigenous aviation and defence capabilities, highlighting the PAF’s
efforts to achieve greater self-reliance through indigenisation and domestic
technological development.
Lt Gen Banza Mwilambwe Jules praised the
professionalism, operational readiness and high training standards of the
Pakistan Air Force. He also expressed particular interest in the PAF’s
indigenous capabilities and its experience in developing self-reliant defence
solutions.
The Congolese defence chief said his country was
determined to rebuild and modernise its air force and expressed a desire to
benefit from the PAF’s extensive professional expertise and experience.
The visit underscores growing interest in defence
cooperation between Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and could
pave the way for expanded training, institutional exchanges and technical
collaboration between their armed forces.
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Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional links
and defence relations, with the engagement expected to contribute to closer
bilateral ties and broader efforts to promote regional peace and stability.