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| via: gulfnews.com |
Pakistan and Azerbaijan are set to deepen their collaboration, focusing on key sectors such as energy, defense, and trade. This decision follows productive discussions between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during a recent official visit to Baku on June 14-15.
The high-level talks addressed various aspects of bilateral relations, regional development, and security concerns. Following the meeting, President Aliyev announced that Azerbaijan would soon dispatch delegations to Pakistan to focus on trade, energy cooperation, and defense collaboration.
Energy Collaboration: A significant outcome of the visit is Azerbaijan’s agreement to begin monthly liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to Pakistan starting July 2023. The shipments will be offered at concessional rates, facilitated through government-level cooperation between Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). Additionally, Pakistan recently received its inaugural shipment of discounted crude oil from Russia. Prime Minister Sharif expressed interest in expanding the partnership into petrochemicals and solar energy and extended invitations to Azerbaijani delegations for further collaboration in these areas.
Trade Relations: Both nations underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade. They plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate preferential trade and will work on identifying key trade items. A Statement of Understanding was signed in Baku to promote bilateral trade, laying the groundwork for future economic exchanges.
Defense Cooperation: The leaders also addressed defense collaboration, agreeing to increase joint military exercises to address global security challenges and reinforce military capabilities.
Tourism and Education: In terms of tourism, there are plans for Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) to initiate direct flights between Baku and Islamabad, with potential expansions to Karachi and Lahore. This move aims to boost tourism and strengthen cultural ties. In education, President Aliyev highlighted the growing number of Pakistani students in Azerbaijani universities and expressed hope for continued educational exchanges.
Cultural Ties: Prime Minister Sharif praised the warm welcome he received in Baku and noted the display of Pakistani flags around the city, a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations. President Aliyev acknowledged Pakistan’s support during Azerbaijan’s 2020 territorial conflict and expressed gratitude for this solidarity.
Concluding the visit, Prime Minister Sharif extended an invitation for President Aliyev to visit Islamabad to further solidify the partnership between the two countries.