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Pakistani Ambassador: If Azerbaijan decides to liberate its occupied territories through military way, Pakistan will fully support Azerbaijan

12 March 2012 10:34 (UTC +04:00)

- How do you evaluate the results of the work done since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan?

- Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan after independence. Immediately after establishment of diplomatic relations, highest level exchanged took place from both sides. Pakistanâ€™s former Presidents Sardar Farooq Ahmed Khan Laghari and Pervez Musharraf visited Azerbaijan in 1995 and 2004 respectively, which were returned by the then Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev in 1996 and President Ilham Aliyev in 2005. Apart from these visits, many high level bilateral visits have taken place between the two countries. Our governments cooperate with each other at international forums on issues of mutual interest and concern. As a result, both our countries were elected as non-permanent members of the UNSC last year. Our political understanding at highest levels is excellent. We lend support to each other on the issues of Nagorno Karabakh and Kashmir. Recently, foreign relations committee of Pakistani Senate has passed a resolution on Khojaly massacre committed by Armenian forces in 1992. So overall, both our countries have developed excellent relations in past two decades.

- How do you evaluate the defence cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan?

- Pakistan and Azerbaijan have friendly relations in defence cooperation. Regular exchange of delegations takes place between our two countries. Pakistan offers gratis training courses to Azeri defence personnel in its premium institutions. Pakistan has been producing light arms and ammunition and other defence equipment, which we have offered to Azerbaijan. Recently, CSCSC General Khalid Shameem Wynne visited Azerbaijan and discussed prospects of defence cooperation.

-Can Pakistan help Azerbaijan in case of military operations with Armenia?

-If Azerbaijan decides to liberate its occupied territories through military way, Pakistan will act as Azerbaijan wants. In case of war with Armenia, Pakistan will always defend Azerbaijan. As you know, Pakistan does not recognize Armeniaâ€™s independence. Azerbaijan supports Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir. But Azerbaijan and Pakistan act basing on the international principles. The UN Security Council passed resolutions on Nagorno Karabakh and Kashmir conflicts. Thus, Azerbaijan and Pakistan support each other basing on the international principles.

- What projects is the embassy of Pakistan working on to enhance the cooperation?

- We are focusing on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. Through more frequent exchange of business delegations, both from government and private sectors, we hope to raise level of economic and commercial ties at par with our political relations. The 5th meeting of Azerbaijan-Pakistan intergovernmental commission was held last year, the next meeting will be held in Pakistan. This commission is a format, within which Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations, including cooperation in defence, science, culture, economy, communication, internet technologies, are discussed on the administrative level. I would like to note that Pakistan grants scholarships to Azerbaijani students. It is planned to send to Pakistan a group of students studying Urdu at Baku State University.

- How popular is Azerbaijan among the Pakistani investors?

- Azerbaijan has achieved a lot in two decades. The progress made in different fields, especially economic, is phenomenal. President Ilham Aliyev is taking forward the vision of late President Heydar Aliyev. The people of Azerbaijan are very friendly and cherish special regard for Pakistan. It has been impressive economic growth in recent years, which is visible all round. Unfortunately, level of awareness among Pakistani investors of Azeri business environment is very low. Through frequent exchanges at all levels, we are striving to bring the peoples closer.
Pakistan has a business friendly environment, and welcomes foreign investments from brotherly countries like Azerbaijan. In recent visit by Pakistani Senateâ€™s delegation to Azerbaijan, we have offered Azeri businessmen and the government to invest in Pakistan especially in power sector, to which Azeri government has shown interest also.

- How do you see the future of the energy cooperation between our countries?

- Pakistan is an energy-deficient country. Azerbaijan can help Pakistan overcome energy deficiency by investing in power projects. Our discussions on these lines are already underway.

- What is the trade turnover between the two countries?

- Total trade turnover between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in 2011 stood at around US $ 3 million which is not commensurate with our bilateral political relations. We are especially focusing economic and defence cooperation in our discussions now. Pakistan and Azerbaijan have developed expertise in different economic sectors. Pakistan has offered cooperation in agriculture, telecommunication and IT, construction and defence sectors. We can initiate joint ventures in these fields.