Pakistan air chief holds talks with Uzbek defence leaders
The talks covered regional security, joint military exercises and cooperation in emerging technologies, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to operational readiness.
Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level talks with Uzbek defence leaders during an official visit to Uzbekistan on Saturday, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
His first meeting was with Uzbek Defence Minister Lieutenant General Botir Qudrathodjayev Bahromovich, where the discussion centred on regional security, existing defence ties and prospects for closer institutional work.
The Uzbek minister commended the professionalism, operational skill and combat capability of the Pakistan Air Force.
Sidhu then met Deputy Defence Minister and Commander of Air Defence and Air Force of Uzbekistan, Major General Burkhanov Akhmad Jamolovich, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
The talks with Jamolovich focused on joint military exercises, structured professional exchanges and capacity building, according to the report.
Sidhu highlighted the long-standing fraternal links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to improving operational readiness and working together on emerging technologies, drawing on their respective expertise and capabilities.
Uzbekistan is a landlocked Central Asian country that shares borders with Afghanistan, and it has sought closer defence and security ties with regional partners in recent years.
Visits by service chiefs are a common way for militaries to review existing cooperation and identify areas for joint training and exchanges.
