Karachi : Azerbaijan is Pakistan’s best friend, said Kafeel Hussain, President of KHA Business and International Relations, Vice Chairman of Chamber of Commerce Diplomatic Affairs and Chairman of Consumers Association of Pakistan Diplomatic Affairs, while addressing a ceremony held on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s 34th Independence Day. He said that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991. The two countries have strong diplomatic relations, while Pakistan has never recognized Armenia, which has been an opposing party in Azerbaijan’s main conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The two countries support each other at the global level, especially on the platforms of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations. Kafeel Hussain said that trade relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are improving over time. Both countries are looking for mutual cooperation in sectors such as energy, agriculture, defense production and textiles. Along with this, Azerbaijan is ready to export gas and oil to Pakistan, while Pakistan is interested in exporting its agricultural products, medicines and technology. In recent years, bilateral trade has increased through joint business forums and exchange of trade delegations. He said that there are strong relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in the cultural and educational fields. Azerbaijani students are pursuing higher education in Pakistani universities and there are educational exchange agreements between the two countries. While the two nations have similarities in Islamic heritage, culture and values, which further strengthen relations at the public level. Various cultural events and youth exchange programs are organized to further promote these relations. To further improve relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, both countries need to expand trade agreements, facilitate visa policies and work on joint industrial and technological projects, which can take their relations to new heights in sectors such as defense, energy, education and tourism. In addition, both countries should continue to support each other at international forums and to increase ties at the public level through cultural exchanges, educational Scholarships and media cooperation should be promoted so that this bond of friendship can be strengthened
