KARACHI (NNP) —
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu Romania visit has marked an important milestone in Pakistan’s defence diplomacy, enhancing bilateral cooperation with Romania in military strategy, air operations, and defence-industrial collaboration.
During his official trip, the Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), held key meetings with Mr. Eduard Bachide, State Secretary of Defence, and General Gheorgiță Vlad, Romanian Chief of Defence, in a joint session focusing on expanding military-to-military cooperation between Pakistan and Romania.
Strengthening Military and Defence Cooperation
In this high-level meeting, both sides discussed avenues to strengthen strategic defence relations, emphasizing collaboration in training, technology transfer, and joint security initiatives.
The discussions also underscored the shared interest of Pakistan and Romania in promoting regional peace, counter-terrorism coordination, and global maritime and air stability.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu commended the Romanian Armed Forces’ professionalism and their contributions to NATO’s peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. He noted that Pakistan’s armed forces have always valued partnerships based on mutual respect and operational excellence.
General Gheorgiță Vlad, acknowledging Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to global peacekeeping and defence innovation, highlighted Romania’s willingness to further deepen institutional links through joint military education programs and defence-industrial cooperation.
Meeting with Romanian Air Force Leadership
In a separate session, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu called on Lieutenant General Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi, Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff, at the Romanian Air Force Headquarters.
Upon his arrival, the Air Chief was presented with an impressive Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Romanian Air Force, reflecting the strong bond of respect and cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting focused on expanding air force collaboration, including joint exercises, professional exchange programs, and pilot training opportunities. Both dignitaries reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen operational cooperation between the two air forces.
Regional and Strategic Dialogue
The dignitaries also exchanged views on regional security developments, aerospace technology innovation, and defence modernization. They agreed that in the evolving global security environment, sustained military collaboration is essential to maintaining peace, stability, and deterrence.
“This visit reflects Pakistan’s vision of building enduring partnerships across Europe,” said Air Chief Marshal Sidhu. “Our goal is to share expertise, foster innovation, and advance mutual defence capabilities through cooperation.”
Lieutenant General Baraboi praised PAF’s professionalism and its exceptional performance during recent operations. He lauded Pakistan’s indigenization initiatives, particularly in aerospace and defence manufacturing, under Air Chief Sidhu’s visionary leadership.
Expanding Defence-Industrial and Aerospace Partnerships
Both Air Chiefs agreed on creating robust institutional mechanisms for sustained cooperation and explored opportunities for co-production in advanced aerospace technologies.
They also discussed collaboration in aerial defence systems, maintenance programs, simulation training, and research exchange in aviation science.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continue engaging in strategic-level dialogues, ensuring that Pakistan and Romania’s armed forces maintain interoperability and shared operational readiness.
Commitment to Peace and Stability
The Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu Romania visit symbolizes Pakistan’s proactive approach in strengthening defence diplomacy across Europe.
Both nations share a commitment to peace, regional stability, and global collaboration, reinforcing their cooperation in multilateral platforms and peacekeeping operations.
The visit also highlighted Pakistan’s expanding footprint in international military relations, underscoring PAF’s global reputation as a modern, professional, and technologically advanced air force.
