ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu met with the Indonesian President in which both emphasized the promotion of defense cooperation. The Indonesian President expressed deep interest in enhancing his defense capabilities by utilizing the modern training system and aerospace development infrastructure of the Pakistan Air Force.

According to the ISPR, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, during his official visit to Indonesia, held an important meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, in which they discussed the long-standing brotherly relations, shared values ​​and promotion of defense cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia. During the meeting, the Air Chief highlighted the strong historical ties between the two countries.

Earlier, the Air Chief also held separate high-level meetings with the Indonesian Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General (R) Sajjafri Sajjamsudin, Commander of the Armed Forces and Chief of the Indonesian Air Force, where he was presented with a guard of honor at all locations.

In the meeting with the Indonesian Air Chief, it was agreed to enhance cooperation between the air forces, joint training from basic to advanced levels, professional exchanges and collaboration in emerging aerospace sectors.

The Indonesian Air Chief appreciated the combat experience and training expertise of the Pakistan Air Force and expressed his desire to provide assistance in operational and flying training. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu was also awarded the highest award of the Indonesian Air Force “Medal of Honor” for his outstanding role in promoting bilateral air cooperation.

Furthermore, a wide range of defense and security-related issues were discussed in a joint meeting with the Indonesian Minister of Defense and the Chief of Defense Forces, while the Indonesian leadership also appreciated the professionalism, modernization process of the Pakistan Air Force and the advanced technical capabilities of the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park.

This visit is being described as an important step towards further strengthening defense cooperation, air links and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Indonesia.