THE just-concluded two-day visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Pakistan proved highly successful as the two countries signed a number of agreements to diversify and forge bilateral ties and an all-round understanding and unanimity of views was observed between the leadership of the two countries on matters of mutual interest and regional/international issues. The leader of the friendly country held exhaustive discussions with Pakistani leadership and as a result it was agreed to further enhance bilateral trade, investment and to develop joint investment projects in the areas of energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defence industry.
It is a matter of satisfaction that Pakistan has started meaningful interaction with Central Asian countries to boost economic ties with the region and there is enthusiastic reciprocity from the leadership of these countries as confirmed by the firm resolve expressed by President Ilham Aliyev to strengthen strategic relationship with Pakistan. His goodwill and sentiments for Pakistan were highlighted by the remarks he made during joint press takeout with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif when he said “We are brothers, we are friends. We support each other on every issue, on every international case, in every international institution”. The Azeri President won hearts of the people of Pakistan by declaring once again his country’s unqualified support to Islamabad on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, demanding resolution of the dispute in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The distinguished guest was highly appreciative of Pakistan’s steadfast support to Azerbaijan during conflict with Armenia. He also announced an initial investment of $2 billion in Pakistan’s economy and vowed to build a strong partnership both at political and economic levels. The goodwill is there and it is now for the relevant ministries and institutions to translate it into viable and mutually beneficial projects and programmes.
