Baku, Islamabad to focus on economic cooperation
By Sara Rajabova
Development of economic cooperation will be the main topic of negotiations at the highest level during the official visit of Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain in Azerbaijan, Trend Agency quoted a source on January 9.
“The visit is scheduled for March. Currently, the governments of both countries are preparing for high-level visits. A package of agreements to be signed during the visit of the Pakistanipresident is under preparation. The agreements will cover a number of areas of cooperation between the two countries in the economic field,” according to the source.
It also added that the parties intend to raise the level of economic cooperation to a higher level.
Dashgin Shikarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Islamabad earlier said Azerbaijan intends to invest in the energy sector of Pakistan. He said the two countries plan to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade and economic spheres, in particular in the energy and agriculture.
“Azerbaijan has huge oil and gas reserves, as well as experience in the energy sector. In turn, Pakistan has experience in agriculture and dairy production. Thus, the two countries could cooperate in these areas to further strengthen their bilateral relations,” Shikarov said.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan amounted to $ 2.7 million in January-November 2014, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.
Pakistan was the second country that recognized 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. Pakistan supported Azerbaijan during and after the Nagorno-Karabakh War and it is the only country that does not recognize the occupant Armenia.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have rich religious and cultural ties. Over time, these relations are enhancing and developing incrementally.
During the earthquake occurred in Pakistan in 2007, Azerbaijan was given this country a big help. Immediately after the earthquake on the orders of President Ilham Aliyev in the region were sent forty doctors, medicines, equipment in bulk and trained rescue team. The country has provided financial assistance in the amount of $ 1.5 million.
The Heydar Aliyev Foundation of Azerbaijan realizes a number of humanitarian programs and builds schools in Pakistan.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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