South African general meets naval and air chiefs

ISLAMABAD: Chief of South African National Defence Force General Rudzani Maphwanya separately called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu here on Thursday.

Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, the Naval Chief of South African National Defence Force was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy presented guard of honour. Thereafter, the dignitary was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters.

During the meeting with the Naval Chief, the matters of mutual interest including bilateral collaboration and regional security were discussed. The Naval Chief expressed satisfaction over quantum and extent of relations between Pakistan and South African National Defence Force.

The visiting dignitary appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region. Both the leaders pledged to further strengthen and diversify the scope of existing bilateral defence relationships. It is expected that the visit of the Chief of South African National Defence Force will further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries in general and navies in particular.

General Rudzani Maphwanya also called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters. The visiting dignitary lauded professionalism of PAF personnel and exceptional progress made by PAF over the years, especially through indigenisation. The Air Chief highlighted the cordial relations between the two countries and reiterated his resolve to further augment the existing cooperation between the two air forces. Various matters of mutual interest and professional cooperation also came under discussion during the meeting.