Azernews.Az

A trade and economic mission of Azerbaijan will visit Pakistan in the near future to discuss prospects boosting the cooperation and establish new contacts.

The issue was mulled at a meeting between Azerbaijani Ambassador to Islamabad Ali Alizadeh and Pakistani Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who is also a co-chair of the Azerbaijani-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

The minister expressed his country's interest in deepening cooperation with Azerbaijan in all spheres.

The sides voiced commitment of the governments of Azerbaijan and Pakistan to deepen economic and trade cooperation, through expanding interaction in the energy sector, increasing the trade turnover and expanding the legal base.

The two countries aim at expanding energy and trade relations, and cooperation in the field of agriculture, pharmaceutical and textile industry between the two countries. Last year, a number of high-level talks and meetings were held in order to develop bilateral trade, investment making, and identify business opportunities.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan amounted to $ 5.82 million in January-October 2016, which is 3.6 times more than the same period of 2015, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan-Pakistan “all-weather friendship" covers various facets of the economic and political ties. Pakistan is one of the oldest and closest allies and strategic partners of Azerbaijan in Asia.

Islamabad backed Azerbaijan during and after the Nagorno-Karabakh War and it is the only country that does not recognize Armenia. Pakistan also adopted a resolution strongly condemning the genocide against the civilian population of Khojaly, which was committed by Armenian armed forces.

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