Islamabad: Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to enhance Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation across various domains. The cooperation includes the initiation of high-level exchange programs aimed at fostering professional development between the two Air Forces. This consensus was reached at a meeting between Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Major General Andrei Yulianovich Lukyanovich, Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of Belarus in Islamabad today.
According to Radio Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu assured that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is committed to extending full support for the basic to tactical-level training of pilots and maintenance crews for the capacity building of the Belarus Air Force. He reiterated his resolve to consolidate the existing bilateral Air Force ties between the two countries by enhancing collaboration, particularly in the areas of training, technological development, and operational capability.
During the meeting, a wide array of mutual interests related to air power and military cooperation were thoroughly discussed. The discussions also reaffirmed the mutual commitment of both nations to further strengthening their longstanding bilateral relations, with both sides agreeing to sustain close and continuous engagement between their respective Air Forces.
Major General Andrei Yulianovich Lukyanovich, while leading a high-level defense delegation, visited the Air Headquarters in Islamabad. On his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force presented a Guard of Honour to him. The visiting dignitary expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him, underscoring the long-standing bond of friendship between Pakistan and Belarus.
He conveyed the keen interest of the Belarus Air Force in learning from the Pakistan Air Force’s operational experience, particularly in the context of wartime operations. He acknowledged PAF’s professionalism and effectiveness in complex operational environments and shared his Air Force’s eagerness to draw lessons from PAF’s combat-tested doctrines and training regimes.
Major General Lukyanovich shared his earnest desire for structured and formal training programs to be conducted by PAF for Belarus Air Force personnel, indicating a new chapter of collaboration in capacity-building and operational proficiency. The Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of Belarus extended an invitation to Air Chief Marshal Sidhu for participation in upcoming important defense-related events in Belarus. Both sides agreed to work on the modalities of the visit, with the aim of furthering the strategic dialogue and exploring new avenues for bilateral defense cooperation.
This visit highlights the strong commitment of both nations to further enhance their military partnership through continued dialogue and collaboration.