On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Deputy King of Kingdom of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa conferred Bahrain Medal-First Class upon Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Sakhir Air Base, Bahrain on November 15, 2024. The medal was awarded to CAS in recognition of his distinguished efforts to enhance military cooperation and defense collaboration between the two brotherly countries. The ceremony was witnessed by senior civil and military leadership of Kingdom of Bahrain. His Royal Highness welcomed CAS to the Kingdom of Bahrain and conveyed his heartfelt acknowledgement to the CAS for the participation of PAF contingent comprising JF-17 Block-III fighter jets alongside air and ground crew in the Bahrain International Airshow. CAS expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for the honor 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 defense sectors, and wished the Kingdom of Bahrain progress and prosperity. On the sidelines of Bahrain International Airshow, Commander of Ninth Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Central Command—AFCENT), Lieutenant General Derek France called on CAS. Matters pertaining to the regional security situation and enhanced bilateral military cooperation were discussed during the meeting.

CAS 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. CAS further said, “Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and defense 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 PAF 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, CAS also called on Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. 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. PAF remains committed to promoting peace and stability through its professional prowess, strategic partnerships, and collaborative efforts.