BAKU: Pakistan and Azerbaijan agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in fields of energy, trade and aviation sectors to reflect decades-old strong relationship between two nations.

Bilateral relations were discussed at length in meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev here at Zugulba Palace. PM accompanied by high-level delegation is on two-day official visit to Baku at invitation of President Aliyev.

At joint press stakeout following their bilateral meeting, two leaders told media of agreeing to introduce flights of Azerbaijan airline between two capitals, enhance number of military exercises, besides exploring avenues of cooperation in areas of energy, investment and education.

PM Shehbaz citing “Pleasant surprises” of neatness and beauty of Baku, requested Azerbaijan President to lend their experts in horticulture and waste management to Islamabad.

He told media that during “Wonderful” discussion, there was “Total unanimity” of views on various bilateral and multilateral issues as relationship was built on mutual trust and sincerity of purpose.

“Though our ties are so strong since ages, these do not reflect its intensity through trade and investment, exchange of visits and other important areas of cooperation,” he remarked.

PM said that his government was committed to replace costly imported fuels with solar energy to support industries, exports, commerce and offices.

He thanked Azerbaijan President for abolishing duties on Pakistan’s rice to facilitate export of Pakistani commodity to friendly country.

He said Pakistan welcome Azerbaijan airline to start its operations to Islamabad and invited country’s aviation minister to Pakistan to work out Baku-Karachi flights with view to promote bilateral tourism.

He said Pakistan did not recognise Armenia and always stood by Azerbaijan considering it duty.

Highlighting immense opportunities Gwadar Port offered, Prime Minister said both countries could cooperate to enhance trade. He told media that Pakistan-Azerbaijan cooperation in defence was not secret as it was meant for peace of region, not any aggression.

President Ilham Aliyev said both countries had agreed to enhance cooperation in fields of energy, defence and education. He said Azerbaijan hoped to host more Pakistani students and Azeri students studying in Pakistani universities contributed to strengthening bilateral relationship.

He told media that two sides have agreed to increase number of military exercises as military capability was of utmost importance considering changing circumstances.

He said strong military capacity guaranteed independence and and territorial integrity as Azerbaijan also liberated its Karabakh region from Armenian occupation through its military might, not dialogue.

He said Pakistan and Azerbaijan always stood shoulder to shoulder as both peoples shared same views on host of issues.

Appreciating leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz, Azerbaijan President congratulated people of Pakistan for having such great leader with vision and commitment to country development.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 16 2023

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