The Chief of Staff of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), Lt General Wang Gang, met Pakistan's Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, in Islamabad, officials said on Tuesday. On the other hand, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasir Guler are in Pakistan to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on issues of mutual interest, including defence industry cooperation.
The top level meeting came nearly two months after India launched a precision strike on Pakistan and both China and Turkey had shown immense support to Islamabad. According to Indian Air Force officials, Turkey had supported Pakistan with lethal drones, while China provided fighter jets during Operation Sindoor.
🔴Live: Joint Press Stakeout between DPM/FM of Pakistan and Foreign Minister of Türkiye https://t.co/rr5HBAw6B6
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 9, 2025
China Air Force Chief "expresses deep appreciation" for readiness during India-Pak war
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Air Force, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in airpower and operational synergy, were discussed during the meeting. It said that Gang "expressed deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force”.
On the occasion, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reiterated that Pakistan and China enjoy historic, time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence, and shared aspirations for regional peace and stability. Gang was given a comprehensive briefing on the PAF's modern force structure, strategic initiatives, and the evolution of its operational doctrine.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, had a fruitful and productive meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan, co-chair of Joint Commission under the HLSCC framework and the Minister of National Defence… pic.twitter.com/1aW7QHz9o8
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 9, 2025
Sidhu reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between the two air forces and reiterated the PAF's commitment to expanding cooperation in training, technology, and operational domains. “The meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration,” the statement stated. Lt General Gang is currently visiting Pakistan with a high-level defence delegation.
Turkish FM, Defence Minister in Pakistan on official visit to boost ties
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasir Guler are in Pakistan to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on issues of mutual interest, including defence industry cooperation. The two arrived here on Wednesday on an official visit. Radio Pakistan reported that during their official engagements, important issues of mutual interest will be discussed.
“The visit reflects the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual trust,” it reported.
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News agency PTI Sources said that among other engagements, the two would also hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on bilateral ties, regional issues, and defence industry cooperation. Turkiye has strong ties with Pakistan and expressed solidarity with it during the military conflict with India in May, which angered India but Istanbul has continued efforts to bolster ties with Islamabad.
(With inputs from agency)