Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan and Pakistan, which have enjoyed friendly beneficial relations over the years, voiced their determination to strengthen their economic cooperation.

Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan’s foreign minister held a meeting with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s minister of finance, revenue, economic affairs, statistics and privatization on May 5, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported.

During the meeting the sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional and international issues. They expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Mammadyarov noted that Azerbaijan highly appreciates Pakistan’s firm support to the country in its just position in the settlement process of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Pakistan supported Azerbaijan during and after the Nagorno-Karabakh War in early 1990s and it is one of the few countries that do not have any diplomatic relations with Armenia due to the ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized lands.

Stressing on the importance of official and working visits in view of strengthening bilateral relations, Mammadyarov said Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain’s last visit to Azerbaijan contributed to the deepening of relations between the two countries.

He also said the opening of Pakistan National Bank’s office in Azerbaijan will contribute to the development of economic relations.

Ishaq Dar, for his part, noted that friendship and partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan have developed on a bilateral and multilateral basis.

He also noted that there are good opportunities for the development of economic and trade relations in compliance with political relations between the two countries.

Ishaq Dar also noted on the importance of the 48th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank, held in Baku on May 2-5, adding that fruitful discussions took place during the event.

He further congratulated Azerbaijan for hosting a prestigious sporting event like the First European Games and expressed confidence that the event will be held at a high level.

Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan on December 12, 1991. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 9, 1992. The Pakistan Embassy to Azerbaijan was opened on March 12, 1993.Azerbaijani Embassy to Pakistan was opened on August 24, 1997.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy good relations in various spheres.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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