Pakistan, Azerbaijan agree to strengthen bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan’s ambassador Mr. Ali Alizada on Wednesday called on Federal Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak at his office in Islamabad.

During the meeting, both the leaders agreed on the need for closer cooperation in diverse fields, including defence cooperation.

Defence Minister Pervez Khattak stated that Pakistan viewed Azerbaijan as an important country due to its strategic location, resources, progressive outlook and fast growing economy. He reiterated Pakistan’s support to Azerbaijan on the issue of Nagorno Karabakh.

According to a statement released from the ministry, Pervez Khattak reiterated strong desire to strengthen Pakistan’s partnership with Azerbaijan in all fields. He mentioned that Pak-Azerbaijan Working Group Level forum where the issues relating to military and defence cooperation were discussed had played a vital role in strengthening and enhancing defence relations between the two countries.

Azerbaijan’s ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s continued support on the issue of Nagorno Karabakh at all international fora and assured Azeri support on the issue of Kashmir in all fora in future.

The ambassador mentioned that both brotherly countries are exploring more areas of future cooperation and people to people contact had already enhanced which was a sign of healthy relations between the two countries.

He informed that Col Gen Zakir Hasanov, the Defence Minister of Azerbaijan was scheduled to pay a bilateral visit to Pakistan from 21-23 March, 2019 and would also witness Pakistan Day Parade on 23rd March, 2019. He further said that a military contingent of Azerbaijan will also participate in the said Parade.