ISLAMABAD: Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu reasserted that Pakistan’s commitment to spread the scope of partnership through joint training initiatives and professional exchanges. He assured the visiting commander of PAF’s full support in capacity building, advanced training, and operational development for the Ethiopian Air Force.
In this regard, upon arrival, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa was presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the PAF, indicating the traditional military decorum and hospitality.
In this sense, both dignitaries held in-depth discussions on professional matters and expressed a shared resolve to increase collaboration.
The Air Chief mentioned that Pakistan attaches great importance to its ties with Ethiopia and values bolstering bilateral relations. Furthermore, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa conveyed his anticipation for the warm welcome and hospitality with his delegation.
Moreover, he praised the Pakistan Air Force for its high standards of operational preparedness, evolving multi-domain capabilities, and credible deterrence posture. The Ethiopian Air Chief expressed keen interest in learning from PAF’s rich combat experience, integrated command structures, and technological innovations to further develop Ethiopia’s air power.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Merdassa was given comprehensive briefings at the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and the PAF Cyber Command. The visit of the Ethiopian Air Chief to Islamabad underlines the growing importance of military-to-military engagement between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
