Baku, Islamabad to strengthen strategic partnership
By Sara Rajabova
Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain embarked on an official visit to Baku on March 11.
A guard of honor was arranged for the Pakistani president at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport decorated with the national flags of the two countries.
President Hussain and his spouse Begum Sahiba were welcomed by Yagub Eyyubov, Azerbaijan’s first deputy prime minister and other officials.
Azerbaijan and Pakistan are expected to sign a joint declaration on strategic partnership during Hussain’s visit, Pakistani president’s website reports.
During the visit that will last till March14, Hussain will meet with a number of high-ranking Azerbaijani officials.
“The senior officials from both countries will also participate in a joint business forum, where expansion of bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of economy and trade will be discussed,” according to the statement.
Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee data said at the end of 2014 the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan amounted to $ 2.8 million.
Pakistan was among of the first countries 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 Armenia.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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