ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu called on various dignitaries during his visit to China. In these meetings, Air Chief called on Chinese Defence Minister and State Councilor General Li Shangfu, People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Commander General Chang Dingqiu, Chief of Equipment Development Department General Xu Xueqiang and Director General Bureau of Military Equipment and Technical Cooperation (Bometec) Major General Fan Jianjun, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) news release said.

During meetings matters pertaining to mutual interest and regional security situation were discussed.

Both discussed evolving geo-political environment and regional developments having significant implications for both countries. Chief of Air Staff said that Pakistan values its strong diplomatic and defence ties with China which are based on convergence on all important issues related to regional peace and security while reiterating strong strategic partnership in face of shared challenges.

A smartly turned-out contingent presented guard of honour to Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force on his arrival at PLAAF Headquarters in Beijing.

PLAAF Commander expressed his admiration for professionalism of Pakistan Air Force personnel and praised remarkable progress made by Pakistan Air Force through indigenisation.

Air Chief reiterated his unwavering commitment to enhancing existing bilateral ties in military-to-military cooperation, strategic alliance and training domain.

Later, during two separate meetings between Air Chief and General Xu Xueqiang, Chief of Equipment Development Department and Major General Fan Jianjun, Director General Bureau of Military Equipment and Technical Cooperation (Bometec), several key points on exploring opportunities for technology transfer and collaborative development of advanced military hardware were also discussed.

Chief of Air Staff also met Industrial heads of Chinese Defence Industry. Meetings were focused on defence acquisitions and technology collaboration between two sides.

Highlighting significance of longstanding partnership between two countries, Air Chief said that PAF leadership wishes to further deepen existing aviation cooperation and exchanges with China in fields of human resources and technology so as to jointly address shared security challenges.