Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to enhance Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation across various domains.
The cooperation includes the initiation of high-level exchange programs aimed at fostering professional development between the two Air Forces.
This consensus was reached at a meeting between Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Major General Andrei Yulianovich Lukyanovich, Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of Belarus in Islamabad today.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu assured that PAF is committed to extending full support for the basic to tactical-level training of pilots and maintenance crews for capacity building of Belarus Air Force. He reiterated his resolve to consolidate the existing bilateral Air Force to Air Force ties between the two countries by enhancing collaboration, particularly in the areas of training, technological development and operational capability.
During the meeting, a wide array of mutual interests related to air power and military cooperation were thoroughly discussed.
The discussions also reaffirmed the mutual commitment of both nations to further strengthening their longstanding bilateral relations, with both sides agreeing to sustain close and continuous engagement between their respective Air Forces.
It is pertinent to mention that Major General Andrei Yulianovich Lukyanovich, while leading a high-level defence delegation, visited the Air Headquarters, Islamabad.
On his arrival, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to Major General Andrei Yulianovich Lukyanovich.
The visiting dignitary expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him underscoring the long-standing bond of friendship between Pakistan and Belarus.
He conveyed keen interest of Belarus Air Force in learning from Pakistan Air Force's rich operational experience, particularly in the context of wartime operations. He also acknowledged PAF's professionalism and effectiveness in complex operational environments and shared his Air Force's eagerness to draw lessons from PAF's combat-tested doctrines and training regimes.
Major General Andrei Yulianovich Lukyanovich shared his earnest desire for structured and formal training programs to be conducted by PAF for Belarus Air Force personnel, indicating a new chapter of collaboration in capacity-building and operational proficiency.
The Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of Belarus extended an invite to Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu seeking his participation in upcoming important and acclaimed defence related events in Belarus, to bolster this relationship further by expanding and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Both sides agreed to work on the modalities of the visit, with the aim of furthering the strategic dialogue and exploring new avenues for bilateral defence cooperation.
This visit highlights the strong commitment of both nations to further enhance their military partnership through continued dialogue and collaboration.
