The head of the Air Force of South Africa, Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, met with the senior military official of Pakistan, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, at the headquarters of the Joint personnel in Rawalpindi on Thursday to discuss the cooperation of defense and regional security, said the wing of military media.
“During the meeting, both parties maintained discussions in a wide range of areas of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation,” said public relations between services (ISPR) in a press release.
“The dignitaries discussed practical measures to further expand the level and scope of the commitments between the two military. They also exchanged views on the broader geopolitical landscape.”
General Mirza shared Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving regional security panorama and highlighted Pakistan’s contributions towards regional peace and stability, the statement added.
The visiting dignitary praised the professionalism of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and recognized his sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Upon arrival at the headquarters of the joint personnel, a contingent of tri-services intelligently presented an “honor guard” to the visiting dignitary.
Meeting with the PAF Chief
A day before, the head of the Air Force of South Africa summoned the head of the Chief of the Air, the head of the air Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at the Air headquarters in Islamabad, said the press wing of the Army.
During the meeting, the chief of the air staff Sidhu “emphasized the shared values and aspirations that form the basis of the deeply rooted friendship between Pakistan and South Africa.”
He reiterated PAF’s commitment to strengthen the Air Force Air Force capacities in South Africa through training and custom capacity construction initiatives.
Lieutenant General Mbambous praised the robust operational preparation of PAF, his multiple domain war capabilities and his success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture.
The South African air chief articulated a strong desire to strengthen and institutionalize the formal relationship between the Air Force of South Africa and PAF.
The discussions focused on the renewal of the South African Air Force Training Regime. Lieutenant General Mbambo sought the support of the Pakistan Air Force in the development of a modern and integral training framework, starting at the academy level.
He also expressed his sincere desire to participate in South Africa Air Force officers as observers in the main PAF operating exercises.
Recognizing technical excellence and profitable maintenance capabilities offered by PAF engineering infrastructure, it also transmitted the intention of the South Africa Air Force to perform the inspection and maintenance of its C-130 fleet in Pakistan.
