Pakistan’s air chief in Ankara as Islamabad touts regional alliance talks
The visit came after Pakistan’s defense chief suggested that talks were advancing on a wider defense arrangement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.
ANKARA — Pakistani Air Force Commander Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held talks in Ankara this week, days after Pakistan’s defense minister suggested discussions were advancing on a broader regional defense arrangement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.
Sidhu met with his Turkish counterpart, Gen. Ziya Cemal Kadioglu and Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said Monday. The ministry did not provide further details.
The talks focused on expanding bilateral defense and military aviation cooperation, including training, joint projects and defense industry cooperation, The Islamabad Times reported.
The visit comes as Turkey’s bid to join a regional defense arrangement gains traction amid intensified Iranian attacks on Gulf countries. The attacks have accelerated Gulf states’ search for broader regional security cooperation.
