ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A delegation of Azerbaijan led by the Defence Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov held a meeting with President Mamnoon Hussain in Islamabad on Wednesday and discussed bilateral ties as well regional security issues.
During the meeting, the president emphasized on further strengthening of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan particularly in trade, economic and defence matters.
“Pakistan attaches highest priority to its relations with Azerbaijan,” the president said, adding that Pakistan would continue to support Azerbaijan on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
The president also appreciated support by Azerbaijan on the Kashmir issue and the stance of Pakistan for peaceful settlement of the issue in accordance with the United Nations resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiris.
President Mamnoon said that Pakistan welcomes Azerbaijan’s armed forces personnel for acquiring quality training at the Pakistan’s armed forces training institutions on gratis basis.
The president also sought Azerbaijan’s support to Pakistan’s bid for membership of Transport Corridor Europe, Caucasus and Asia (TRACEA) an organization dedicated to reviving the Silk Route.
The membership of TRACEA – whose members include Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan – would boost up trade cooperation of Pakistan with these countries.
The Azerbaijan’s defence minister expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields would be further enhanced in the future.
Azerbaijan’ defence minister calls on chief of air staff
The defence minister of Azerbaijan also called on the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt in Islamabad on Wednesday and discussed various matters of defence and military cooperation.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance military cooperation between the two countries with focus on air forces.
