RAWALPINDI: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, called on Iraqi Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi during his official visit to Iraq, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Friday.

According to ISPR, the PAF chief was accorded a guard of honour at Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, reflecting the strong bonds of mutual respect between the two air forces. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, with emphasis on joint training, capacity building and improving operational collaboration.

The air chief highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq, and reaffirmed the PAF’s commitment to supporting the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development. Both commanders agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability.

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ISPR said the Iraqi commander praised the PAF’s professionalism and technological advancement, expressed interest in benefiting from Pakistan’s training infrastructure, and showed keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability.

The visit underscored the shared resolve of both air forces to further strengthen defence ties and professional collaboration, the statement added.