ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Azerbaijan on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to bolster cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and connectivity.
During a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, both sides discussed a comprehensive bilateral and regional agenda, including bilateral affairs and international matters.
In a joint press statement, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar underscored the intent to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and defense sectors.
Emphasizing the significance of bilateral investment, particularly in energy, he highlighted the pivotal role of the joint working group on energy in facilitating cooperation in this domain.
Furthermore, both nations expressed their mutual desire to foster parliamentary and cultural exchanges, fostering business-to-business and academic linkages while also enhancing cooperation in renewable energy.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar extended best wishes to Azerbaijan for hosting the COP29 meeting, pledging Pakistan’s support in the endeavor.
Addressing the situation in Gaza, both sides advocated for an immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities and advocated for the establishment of an independent Palestine state, with Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Expressing gratitude for Azerbaijan’s unwavering support on the Kashmir issue, Deputy Prime Minister Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation and strategic partnership to elevate bilateral relations. Underscoring the untapped economic and trade potential, he called for the initiation of joint economic projects across various sectors such as energy, tourism, transport, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
The upcoming 8th Pakistan-Azerbaijan Inter-Governmental Commission in Islamabad was cited as a significant opportunity to augment economic cooperation, with an invitation extended to Pakistan’s business community to capitalize on favorable business conditions and connectivity projects in Azerbaijan.
Acknowledging the existing connectivity with six direct flights between the two nations and a significant number of Pakistani visitors to Azerbaijan, Foreign Minister Bayramov anticipated opportunities for cooperation in energy and climate change during the upcoming COP29 meeting.
He also commended Pakistan’s steadfast stance and support on the Karabakh conflict while reiterating Azerbaijan’s principled position on the Kashmir dispute, advocating for its peaceful resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Responding to concerns about climate change impacts, Foreign Minister Bayramov pledged Azerbaijan’s efforts to aid developing countries in securing necessary resources for adaptation and executing capacity-building projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar underscored Pakistan’s challenges in the aftermath of floods, highlighting the significant loss incurred and the ongoing efforts for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Both leaders, in delegation-level talks, reviewed progress on bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their commitment to fortify bilateral strategic relations and expand cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, energy, defense, education, climate action, and regional connectivity.
Pleased to receive my brother H. E. Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, today in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
We agreed to strengthen our strategic relations and expand our cooperation in areas like trade, investment, energy, defence, education, climate change… pic.twitter.com/HK9AIak2RK
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 30, 2024
