Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and Pakistan, the two strategic partners and allies that have surpassed territorial boundaries and geographical distance, are considering the strengthening of economic ties.

Pakistan, one of the largest economies in the South Asia, is expanding relations with the energy-rich Caspian country of Azerbaijan in many economic spheres.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizade told Trend that Pakistan is currently studying the possibilities of using the resources of Azerbaijan’s telecommunications satellite Azerspace-1, which was launched into orbit on February 8, 2013.

"This issue was previously considered in 2016 during a meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. Then, Azerbaijan offered Pakistan to use the resources of the national telecommunications satellite," the diplomat said.

He added that the issue is currently being considered by relevant bodies of Pakistan and there is a plan to establish cooperation in this sphere.

Azerspace-1, the telecommunication satellite operated by Azercosmos, provides highly-reliable broadband and broadcast solutions to its customers in Europe, Africa, Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Such countries as Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Egypt, Georgia, UAE, Lebanon, Cameroon, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Estonia and Belarus use Azerspace-1’s services.

Recently, Azerbaijan’s export mission visited Pakistan, where they discussed expanse of ties between the companies of the two countries. The export mission includes 16 companies specializing in the production of fruits, vegetables, mineral water, fruit juices, sugar and confectionery, cotton, chemical and industrial products.

The Pakistani government is also trying to increase its energy supply by exploring new horizons.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan are likely to sign an oil and gas trade deal in late February, "Times of Islamabad" newspaper reported.

The two countries have already agreed on a draft government-to-government agreement for the energy sector and the Cabinet has endorsed the draft.

“Azerbaijan has offered export of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan,” said a senior official of the Petroleum and Natural Resources Ministry.

The sides also eye constructing a terminal as well as LNG and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storages through a joint venture between Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and a Pakistan-designated company.

Meanwhile, the opening of direct flights between Lahore and other cities of Pakistan and the cities of Azerbaijan are being discussed.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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