Pakistan, UAE vow to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral defense relations.

The commitment was expressed during a meeting between Commander of the United Arab Emirates’ Naval Forces and Pakistan’ military leadership.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, Major General Humaid Mohammed Abdulla Alremeithi, Commander of United Arab Emirates Naval Forces, while on an official visit to Pakistan, called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.

The two dignitaries held in-depth discussions on professional matters, reviewing the evolving global and regional geo-strategic environment.

Both sides emphasized the vital role of bilateral defence and security cooperation, including in the maritime domain for regional peace and stability.

The visiting dignitary remained appreciative of professional standards of Pakistan Armed Forces, their achievements and sacrifices in fight against terrorism and continued efforts towards regional peace and stability.

Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary.

Meanwhile, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces Major General Humaid Mohammed Abdullah Alremeithi, also called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) here Monday at Air Headquarters.

The meeting focused on evolving regional security dynamics, with both sides exploring fresh avenues of engagement through joint training initiatives and deeper military-to-military cooperation, said a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff expounded his vision to transform PAF into a modern, agile and technology-driven Air Force through state-of-the-art upgradation programmes in cyber, space, Artificial Intelligence, electronic warfare and aerospace domains.

He highlighted the deep-rooted religious and historical ties between the two nations emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to expanding military-to-military cooperation with the UAE, particularly in the areas of training and joint operational exercises.

Commander of the UAE Naval Forces expressed sincere gratitude to the Air Chief for the warm reception and gracious hospitality extended by Pakistan Air Force.

He lauded PAF’s indigenization drive, appreciating its robust framework, homegrown capabilities and focus on technological advancement making it an operationally prepared and technologically advanced Air Force of the region.

The visiting dignitary expressed the earnest desire of the UAE Armed Forces to draw from the Pakistan Air Force’s rich operational experience in multi-domain warfare. He underscored that PAF’s tested operational framework and combat-proven doctrine remain invaluable for regional and international partners alike.

Commander of the UAE Naval Forces further conveyed UAE’s keen interest in conducting joint exercises with PAF, highlighting the immense value of mutual learning, operational synergy and enhanced interoperability.

He also shared that the UAE Air Force is eager to participate in joint training initiatives in Pakistan, an undertaking he described as a vital cornerstone in further cementing the brotherly relations between the two nations.

The meeting between Chief of the Air Staff and Commander of the UAE Naval Forces signifies the commitment between the Armed Forces of both the countries in working together to address common challenges and the willingness to further strengthen their bilateral ties in the realms of defence and military cooperation.

According to the ISPR, during a meeting between Commander of the United Arab Emirates’ Naval Forces, Major General Humaid Mohammed Abdullah Alremeithi and Chief of Pakistan’s Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and bilateral defense cooperation were discussed.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrols.

The Commander of the UAE Naval Forces appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s efforts in maintaining maritime security and regional stability.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Naval Headquarters, the Chief of Naval Staff welcomed the distinguished guest, and a smartly turned-out contingent presented him with a guard of honor.