Pakistan's ambassador: "We support Azerbaijan's right to self-defense" - INTERVIEW

Interview of the newly appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Bilal Haye to e-huquq.az:

How do you assess the current relations between the two countries?

- Pakistan-Azerbaijan relation were laid on solid foundations. We are amongst the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan. Our bilateral ties are characterized by a common faith and cultural heritage, shared perceptions on global and regional issues and close cooperation at international fora. There is keen desire on part of both countries to further deepen and strengthen these brotherly relations with special focus on trade, defence and people to people contacts. Pakistan supports the resolution of Nagorno-Karabagh conflict in line with the Un Security Council Resolutions. Regarding the recent escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh region. Ministry of Foreign Affair, Islamabad issued a statement in support of Azerbaijan on Sunday 2020. We are also fortunate to have the consistent support of Azerbaijan on Pakistan’s principled stance regarding the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). Pakistan greatly appreciates the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan in wake of illegal and unilateral Indian decision t abrogate Articles 370 and 35A regarding special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K).

What can you say about expansion of Azerbaijan-Pakistan Military Cooperation?

- The defence cooperation between the two countries is robust. There have been frequent military exchanges between armed forces since establishment of diplomatic relations. Both countries have signed defence agreements to promote defence cooperation. A Joint Working Group on Military Cooperation meets regularly to earmark new projects where in both armed forces could collaborate. Azeri military personnel are offered regular training courses n Pakistani military training institutions. Our defence authorities have offered technical support in the development and maintenance of the defence equipment. Both countries have also been participating in Defence- Related EXPOs in the respective countries and there is high level interaction between senior defence officials on regular basis.

We have always received full support from Pakistan in the Karabagh issue? And the Azerbaijani people appreciate it. We would like know you see he solution of this conflict

- As I explained that Pakistani supports the peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with the UN Resolutions on the matter. We also support Azerbaijan’s right to self-defence in wake of aggression by Armenia. We believe that relevant stake holders to this dispute should explore all opinions to resolve the matter through diplomatic means in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

Are satisfied with the volume of trade turnover between the countries and the number of mutual tourist trips.

- Pakistani and Azerbaijan have close affinities of a common faith, cultural values and historical linkages in trade and business. The current bilateral trade, however, is far below its true potential. In order to boost economic relations, a special working group has been established between the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan n the development of bilateral investment cooperation. As we all know, that Azerbaijani is one of the largest consume markets in the region for these products. Both states have signed an agreement of cooperation wherein Azerbaijan will support Pakistan’s energy needs. There are also ongoing dialogues between Pakistan and Azerbaijan related to the import of LNG from Azerbaijan. As for tourism, last year more than 40000 Pakistanis visited Azerbaijan. The number of Azerbaijani tourist visiting Pakistan is not that large, though immense tourism potential exists in Pakistan. Currently, we are engaging with Azerbaijani authorities for start of direct fights between our two counries which will help in facilitating the tourist from both sides and also promote bilateral trade.

Which areas mostly attract Pakistani businessmen in Azerbaijan?

- There is huge potential for Pakistani businessmen in the Azerbaijani market especially in the sectors such as sports goods, leather industry, pharmaceutical, surgical instruments, energy, production of lightweight agriculture equipment and value addition in agriculture products. I also see potential n education sector as there are many good English medium Pakistani schools who would like to open branches in Azerbaijan.

Recently, the number of Pakistani citizens visiting Azerbaijan has increased significantly compared to previous years. What problem do they face in our country? Do you have any appeals in this regard?

Azerbaijan is a brotherly country for Pakistan. Our excellent relations with Azerbaijan are not limited to the leadership level only but go deep-down at the grass root level. There is mutual respect, affection and warmth between the peoples of the two countries. Usually, there are no major problems for Pakistani tourist but on a few occasions we had to seek support from the Azerbaijani authorities related to our nationals for some assistance. We received excellent cooperation from the Azerbaijan is among the most preferred destinations for Pakistani tourist.