WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a major diplomatic and defence development, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), concluded a landmark official visit to the United States — the first by a serving PAF chief in over a decade.
The visit marked a renewed commitment to deepening Pakistan-U.S. defence cooperation, with a focus on strengthening institutional partnerships and addressing evolving regional and global security challenges.
Strategic Defence Dialogues at the Pentagon
During his visit, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu met with top U.S. defence officials at the Pentagon, including Ms. Kelli L. Seybolt, Secretary of the Air Force (International Affairs), and General David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.
Talks revolved around advancing bilateral military collaboration, enhancing interoperability, and exploring joint training and technology-sharing initiatives. Both sides emphasized the importance of sustained high-level military engagements to maintain momentum in operational cooperation.
The PAF chief reaffirmed the historic and strategic depth of Pakistan-U.S. ties, particularly in the defence sector, and expressed Pakistan’s resolve to expand military-to-military collaboration, especially in air force training and capacity building.
State Department Meetings Emphasize Regional Stability
At the U.S. State Department, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu met with senior officials including Brown L. Stanley from the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs and Eric Meyer from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
These discussions provided a platform to highlight Pakistan’s constructive role in regional peace, its counterterrorism commitment, and its perspective on the shifting geopolitical dynamics in South and Central Asia.
Capitol Hill Engagements Strengthen Congressional Ties
As part of his U.S. outreach, the Air Chief also engaged with key members of the U.S. Congress, including Representatives Mike Turner, Rich McCormick, and Bill Huizenga. These meetings allowed for meaningful dialogue on strategic security challenges, emerging defence technologies, and regional cooperation frameworks.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu emphasized Pakistan’s enduring contributions to the global war on terror, reaffirming the nation’s peace-oriented posture and sacrifices made for global security. He also outlined Pakistan’s evolving security strategy in light of shifting regional dynamics.
Laying the Groundwork for Future Cooperation
The high-level visit not only reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to global and regional peace but also laid the foundation for renewed institutional collaboration, strategic dialogue, and greater interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the United States Air Force.
Both sides agreed to intensify senior-level engagements and continue fostering operational exchanges, joint training, and defense innovation—marking a significant step forward in Pakistan-U.S. strategic relations.
