Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar met with President of republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on sideline of 16th summit of Economic Cooperation Organisation in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan.

Both leaders have reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations specially trade, defense and energy sectors. Talking about brotherly relations between both countries, PM welcomed announcement of direct flight operation to Pakistan by Azerbaijan Airline (AZAL) and termed it as positive development to increase business, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Interim PM Kakar and President Aliyev have discussed common challenges including Islamophobia and climate change and important role of ECO in promoting regional cooperation and collective prosperity.

Both leaders have discussed humanitarian crisis in Gaza and latest situation of Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.

PM Anwarul Haq Kakar has also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially for Karabakh.

Meanwhile, addressing 16th summit of Economic Cooperation Organisation here, he said, “Let us make ECO an organisation not just of words, but actions, not just commitments but implementation. It is crucial for us to work collectively and diligently to realise goals and objectives of Organisation. Our region, if well connected, can bring colossal economic and peace dividends for our people,”

He said being blessed with natural resources, geographical linkages and cultural heritage, ECO region had been unable to exploit its true trade potential as it had just two percent share in global trade and eight percent in intraregional trade.

He said in 2022, trade within the ECO region was recorded at $ 39 billion against $ 577 billion with world and the intraregion exports also stood at $ 46 billion. He said ECO Vision 2025, which was adopted by 13th ECO summit in Islamabad had called for increasing regional trade, strengthening connectivity, operationalising major transport corridors and seeking energy security.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 10 2023

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