Harare – Over 400 Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) pilots have received training in Pakistan since the southern African country gained independence in 1980, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri- Kashiri said on Wednesday.
Muchinguri-Kashiri spoke to the media after meeting outgoing Pakistan ambassador to Zimbabwe, Murad Baseer who was bidding her farewell as he is ending his three year diplomatic tenure in the country.
”Pakistan has played a crucial role in training over 400 of our pilots, who now serve not only in the Air Force of Zimbabwe but also in regional and international airlines,” Muchinguri- Kashiri said.
”Our officers have also benefited from academic exposure at the Zimbabwe National Defence University. When the President speaks of modernisation and mechanisation, Pakistan remains a key partner. We share similar views at international fora and continue to support each other diplomatically.”
Muchinguri- Kashiri who is acting Foreign Affairs Minister said Pakistan and Zimbabwe will continue to strengthen ties in defence, trade and education.
Baseer said relations between Zimbabwe and the south Asian nation have grown from military to other sectors that include trade and health.
”Pakistan has contributed significantly not just in the military domain, but also in health, trade, and cultural exchange,” Baseer said.
”We played a pivotal role in developing the Air Force of Zimbabwe.”
The AFZ has lost several pilots in crashes in recent years in the country. The accidents have largely been blamed on obsolete air craft.
Zimbabwe accuse the West of imposing sanctions which shrunk the economy and results in the country failing to replace old military air craft.