BAHRAIN MEDAL FIRST CLASS CONFERRED UPON AIR CHIEF

BAHRAIN MEDAL FIRST CLASS CONFERRED UPON AIR CHIEF

15 November, 2024: On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy King of Kingdom of Bahrain, conferred Bahrain Medal - First Class upon Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Sakhir Air Base, Bahrain. The medal was awarded to Air Chief in recognition of his distinguished efforts to enhance military cooperation and defence collaboration between the two brotherly countries. The ceremony was witnessed by senior civil and military leadership of Kingdom of Bahrain.

His Royal Highness welcomed Chief of the Air Staff to the Kingdom of Bahrain and conveyed his heartfelt acknowledgement to Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu for the participation of Pakistan Air Force contingent comprising JF-17 Block-III fighter jets alongside air and ground crew in the Bahrain International Airshow. Chief of the Air Staff expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for the honour of receiving the Bahrain Medal - First Class. The Air Chief also commended His Royal Highness’s efforts in enhancing the Bahrain-Pakistan partnership, particularly in the military and defence sectors, and wished the Kingdom of Bahrain progress and prosperity.

On the sidelines of Bahrain International Airshow, Commander of Ninth Air Force (US Air Forces Central Command — AFCENT), Lieutenant General Derek France called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. Matters pertaining to the regional security situation and enhanced bilateral military cooperation were discussed during the meeting. The Air Chief highlighted that Pakistan and the United States of America enjoy deep rooted cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the two strategic partners. The Air Chief further said, “Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and defence relations with the United States of America, which are based on convergence on all important issues relating to regional peace, security and stability”. Both sides agreed to further optimize military-to-military ties, particularly in training and operational domains.

The AFCENT Commander lauded the professionalism of PAF personnel and the exceptional progress made by the Parkistan Air Force over the years, especially through indigenization. He also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace and vowed to enhance cooperation in the fields of joint training, mutual exercises and military to military collaboration.

In a separate meeting, Chief of the Air Staff also called on Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.

The participation of PAF fighter aircraft and contingent at the Bahrain International Airshow is a testament to the commitment of both nations to reinforce their partnership, foster collaboration and promote robust relations between the air forces of the two countries. Pakistan Air Force remains committed to promoting peace and stability through its professional prowess, strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts.