ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Uzbekistan expand their military partnership, with both countries agreeing to deepen defence cooperation, strengthen operational coordination and explore joint military exercises following high-level talks between Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Uzbekistan’s senior defence leadership.
Pakistan Air Chief is on official visit to Uzbekistan, where discussions focused on regional security challenges, advanced military technologies, professional training and greater cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held separate meetings with Uzbekistan’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Botir Qodirov Khojayev Bahromovich, and Deputy Defence Minister and Commander of Air Defence and Air Force, Major General Burkhanov Ahmad Jamalovich.
During discussions with the Pakistani Air Chief, the Uzbek Defence Minister commended the PAF’s military capabilities and acknowledged its professionalism and operational excellence. The two officials examined the evolving regional security environment and explored ways to reinforce existing defence relations through closer institutional engagement.
Both sides also discussed opportunities to develop stronger military coordination and expand cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest.
In a separate meeting with Major General Burkhanov Ahmad Jamalovich, the discussions shifted towards practical measures aimed at strengthening military cooperation. Joint military exercises emerged as a key area of focus, alongside structured professional exchanges, capacity-building programmes and the sharing of operational expertise.
The military leaders explored opportunities to improve training standards, enhance operational preparedness and strengthen coordination between their respective air forces.
During the engagements, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu emphasised the longstanding friendship and historical connections between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He stressed that the two countries enjoy strong brotherly relations and highlighted the importance of transforming these ties into deeper institutional and defence cooperation.
Both sides expressed their determination to strengthen military-to-military engagement, improve operational readiness and pursue new avenues of collaboration. The discussions also covered the potential benefits of closer cooperation in advanced technologies and professional military development.
The meetings represent another step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen defence diplomacy and build closer military relationships with regional partners. For Pakistan and Uzbekistan, expanding cooperation through joint exercises, professional exchanges and technological collaboration could help improve operational interoperability and reinforce their respective defence capabilities.
Closer institutional coordination may also create opportunities for both militaries to exchange experience in training, operational planning and emerging security technologies.
