- Both military leaders review practical measures to further expand level, scope of engagements
- SAAF chief lauds professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces, their sacrifices in fight against terrorism
RAWALPINDI: Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF) Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo on Thursday discussed defence cooperation and regional security with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, at Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday, the military’s media wing said.
“During the meeting, both sides held discussions on a wide range of areas of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press statement.
“The dignitaries discussed practical measures to further expand the level and scope of engagements between the two militaries. They also exchanged views on the broader geopolitical landscape.”
CJCSC Gen Mirza shared Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving regional security landscape and highlighted Pakistan’s contributions towards regional peace and stability, the ISPR added.
The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Upon arrival at the Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned out tri-services contingent presented a guard of honor to Lt Gen Mbambo.
A day earlier, the SAAF chief called on Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
During the meeting, Chief of Air Staff Sidhu “emphasized the shared values and aspirations that form the foundation of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and South Africa”.
He reiterated PAF’s commitment to bolster SAAF’s aerial combat capabilities through tailored training and capacity-building initiatives.
Lt Gen Mbambo lauded PAF’s robust operational readiness, its multi-domain warfare capabilities, and its success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture.
The South African air chief articulated a strong desire to further strengthen and institutionalize the formal relationship between the SAAF and the PAF.
The discussions centered on revamping SAAF’s training regime. Lt Gen Mbambo sought the PAF’s support in developing a modern and comprehensive training framework, commencing at the academy level.
He also expressed his earnest desire for SAAF officers’ participation as observers in PAF’s major operational exercises.
