News Desk
ISLAMABAD: On behalf of the Government of Pakistan, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon People’s Republic of China’s Director General Bureau of Military Equipment Technical Cooperation General Fan Jianjun during his visit to Air Headquarters here on Thursday.
In recognition of General Fan’s wholehearted efforts in boosting bilateral military ties the pivotal role played by General Fan in Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s capability enhancement thus ensuring regional balance of power the award was conferred, a PAF news release stated.
General Fan Air Chief and held talks on several significant areas of mutual interest together with regional developments.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) shared his vision’s broad contours of and Pakistan Air Force’s modernization drive to further enhance current operational capability made necessary by contemporary warfare especially Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and Space domains. He also briefed General Fan about a number of ongoing projects for PAF’s Operational Construct in line with the emerging trends.
The Air Chief also highlighted that both Pakistan and China enjoy an unprecedented strategic partnership along with historic ties, and reiterated his resolve to further boost the existing mutual ties in military-to-military cooperation and training facets between PAF and PLAAF.
The CAS added, “Pakistan values its strong economic, diplomatic, defense relationship and time-tested friendship with China which are based on convergence on all key issues relating to regional security, peace, and stability”.
The Air Chief also praised the cooperation offered by China as Pakistan’s strategic partner in the realization of an independent technology-driven PAF and its innovative plans.
General Fan thanks Air Chief for being awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military)
General Fan Jianjun thanked the CAS and the Government of Pakistan on being awarded with Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and expressed his hope that the partnership between the two countries’ Air Forces will keep growing in future.
The visiting dignitary praised PAF personnel’s professionalism and the exceptional progress made by PAF over the years, especially via indigenization. He appreciated efforts of the CAS in steering PAF towards modernization and said that the vision of setting up National Aerospace Science and Technology Park was emulating.
General Fan also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace.
Both leaders vowed to further boost cooperation in various fields including emerging technologies and mutual linkages in the military industry.
