Shaheer Ahmed
Pakistan and Azerbaijan share long-standing bilateral relations. Though both countries don’t have many bilateral agreements to deepen the trade and economic relations between the two. Still, cordiality continues on the basis of mutual respect and equality. Recently Azerbaijan has shown interest in enhancing economic and trade ties with Pakistan.
Also read: Pakistan To Enhance Relations With China And The US
Pakistan and Azerbaijan relations
Pakistan was the second country to recognize Azerbaijan on December 12, 1991. On June 9, 1992, diplomatic relations between the two countries were established. Since then both countries share cordial relations with each other. On many accounts, Azerbaijan has backed Pakistan’s stance on issues of common interest such as Kashmir. Moreover, the country also condemned Indian atrocities in Kashmir and said “Azerbaijan considers Pakistan its close friend” and intends to “continue to support it” across all forums. Likewise, Pakistan also supported Azerbaijan in its ongoing territorial conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Similarities Between Pakistan and Azerbaijan
The two countries have striking similarities. Because of this, they are witnessed expressing similar concerns and viewpoints on many issues. Both countries share Persian-Turkic history. Furthermore, Azerbaijan and Pakistan have similar religious, geopolitical, and cultural views. There is also an Urdu branch established at the Baku State University for teaching Urdu (Pakistan’s national language) to the people of Azerbaijan. Whereas in Pakistan, recently an online Azeri news agency has been launched.
On the basis of these similarities, both countries can take their bilateral, economic, and diplomatic relations to new heights. They just need to engage more often and use their geopolitical conditions into forming strong strategic relations.
Azerbaijan to enhance relations with Pakistan
A meeting was held between President Hasnain Khurshid Ahmad of SCCI and Khazar Farhadove, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Pakistan at the chamber house. Both the officials discussed how can both the countries work together to deepen the economic cooperation. Khazar Farhadove invited the businessman of KP to make investments in Azerbaijan’s potential sectors. As it will help the business partnership to grow between the two countries.
Hasnain Khurhid, suggested that Azerbaijan and Pakistan should conduct joint ventures to boost the trade volume. He further discussed the immense opportunities that KP presents to foreign investors in sectors like mine, oil, hydel power generation, handicrafts, gas, etc. The President of SCCI added that KP provides a safe environment for foreign investments, inviting the Azeri investors to invest in KP’s potential sectors.
In the meeting, the problems faced by the business community of both the counties were also discussed. Multiple working groups are being formed to solve these problems for the sector to thrive.
The meeting addressed a number of issues that are an impediment to the progress of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. We hope this meeting proves to be fruitful and both countries can work toward betterment.
