President emphasizes need for putting Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations towards a multi-dimensional cooperation

Islamabad, December 08, 2015 (PPI-OT): President Mamnoon Hussain has emphasized the need for putting Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations towards a multi-dimensional cooperation, extending into various aspects of political, economic, cultural, defence and security areas. The President said this while talking to the outgoing ambassador of Azerbaijan, Mr. Dashgin Shikarov, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Tuesday.

The President stated that all Central Asian Republics and Pakistan should expand their cooperation in all fields for mutual benefit and progress. The President said that Central Asian Republics and Pakistan having many commonalities in culture, traditions and history could jointly play an effective and constructive role at the international forums for peace and prosperity in the region. The President noted that the present state of bilateral trade between the two countries is not up to the existing potential adding that more emphasis needs to be placed on strengthening trade and investment cooperation.

The President stated that Pakistan is particularly focused on infrastructure development and connectivity in the region. “We intend to integrate the region’s trading centers through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and provide them the shortest access to Gwadar seaport connected with the corridor”, remarked the President.

The President appreciated that direct air links between Pakistan and Azerbaijan have been re-established through Turkish airlines adding that this will facilitate travel, trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts thereby giving much-needed impetus to bilateral relationship. The President expressed satisfaction at the defence and security cooperation and stated that Pakistan will continue to provide training to Azerbaijan’s armed forces and security personnel at its prestigious military institutions.

The President expressed gratitude over Azerbaijan’s support to Pakistan on the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir and said that the government and people of Pakistan are looking forward to the visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Pakistan. The President appreciated the services of the outgoing ambassador for further strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations during his tenure in Pakistan and wished him success in his future assignments.

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