Pakistan and Azerbaijan are
enjoying good relations that are on the road to becoming stronger now.
Azerbaijan and Pakistan are described by the leadership of Azerbaijan as
"friendly and brotherly countries" which speaks volumes. Relations date back
when both nations were part of the Persian Empire and that the countries enjoy
similar cultural traditions especially because of the historic Turanian and
Persian influences in both countries. However, the relations between the two
states were renewed when the republic of Azerbaijan became independent following
the collapse of the USSR. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize
Azerbaijan. Trade and cooperation has from that time onwards steadily grown
between the two nations, with several summits being held on how to improve trade
between the two nations. Pakistan and Azerbaijan have also been cooperating in
the military sector and has been purchasing things from Pakistan. Thus, it has
been claimed by officials from both sides that both countries ‘enjoy strategic
partnership relations".
It seems that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have same ideas on many international
issues as they have many things in common. Azerbaijan has always supported
Pakistan in its difficult times such as during the 2005 earthquake and during
the 2011 floods. It has also built schools and is bound to continue with such
developmental projects in the future. Similarly, Pakistan too had supported
Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Also, Pakistan was one of the
countries which first recognized Azerbaijan as an independent country. Also,
Multan Saray in the heart of Baku exhibits century long economic ties between
the two nations. Commonality in religious practices also strengthens ties
between both countries. Further, on political and strategic front both countries
find several complementarities of concerns. Another strong characteristic that
has brought Pakistan and Azerbaijan closer is the leadership of both countries.
In case of Pakistan and Azerbaijan there are more than one converging points
which form basis to pursue national interests collectively. The potential that
both offer each other is substantial and bound to have a far reaching and
colossal impact upon the economy of both countries. Pakistan provides a sizeable
market for Azerbaijan for the export of oil, natural gas and electricity
whereas, Azerbaijan is a good destination for Pakistani industrial and
agricultural goods. Exchange programs and visits, both on state and individual
levels are being carried out that has become valuable in strengthening bilateral
relations.
Public opinion in this age plays an increasingly significant role in
establishing good relations. Interaction between people through youth and
cultural programs helps bridge gaps. Culture serves as a transmission belt
between nations to help understand norms and practices of each other thus
facilitating close bilateral relationship. Therefore, both Azerbaijan and
Pakistan have simultaneously created youth forums in order to raise awareness
and general understanding of each other.
The Azerbaijan-Pakistan Youth programs aims to create a bridge between
Azerbaijan and Pakistani nation to come closer together through dialogue and
understanding by creating and enhancing youth to youth contact as first step
towards exploring the possibilities of working for joint progressive efforts. As
formal diplomatic ties already exist but the deep rooted people to people
contact was missing which is need of the day to build as both nations have
common culture, history and religion to share.
It is believed by both the countries that youth are the assets and by motivating
this segment of the society will create a long term avenues for cooperation
between the countries. For this purpose, scholarships have been offered to
students of both countries in their respective universities. After the visit of
Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain to Azerbaijan, the exchange will be further
enhanced. Pakistan and Azerbaijani youth are bonded through this initiative to
have shared objective of joining hands together to enhance their cooperation in
various fields and at all levels.
Although the relations between both countries have been good, but there was a
need to promote common interests on both sides. Diplomats of Pakistan and
Azerbaijan , thus are working hard towards improvement. The Pakistan's President
Mamnoon Hussain visit to Baku is being termed as a welcome step that will
promote the expansion of the relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. The
discussion between officials from both countries has been very useful and will
serve fruitful as relations are bound to grow between people and governments,
especially in the fields of economy, trade and industry”.
Furthermore, the volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan is
only $8 million per year which is bound to increase significantly after the
visit. Lack of bilateral visits and insufficient level of economic cooperation
between the two countries are among the reasons for the low volume of bilateral
trade turnover. The President has initiated air service between both countries
that will not only promote the expansion of cooperation but boost the economy.
It is said that the Turkish airline will start the flight immediately. This will
help to further implement a large number of future joint projects.
Speaking about the possibility of creating favorable conditions for attracting
Azerbaijani investors to Pakistan, The President said extraordinary conditions
have been created in his country for foreign investors. “Our laws allow any
investor to come to Pakistan and to invest 100 percent of equity of his own and
repatriate 100 percent of profit into his own country”. This provides incentives
to investors that will be beneficial for Pakistan. The Federations of Chambers
of Commerce and Industry of Pakistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to establish a
joint council to promote business activities between the two countries. An MoU
to this effect was signed at the end of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum in
Baku, which was also addressed by President Mamnoon Hussain. Apart from this,
three more MoU’s were signed during the trip.
As a result of a fruitful interaction, it is being said that Azerbaijani side
will make every effort to encourage people who want to invest in different
fields in Pakistan, as well as organize visits to Pakistan to study the
possibilities and spheres for investing. Not only will business people, but
students will also be visiting Pakistan that would result in an immediate
increase in bilateral trade turnover. This is something that Pakistan had been
lacking so far. The policies of the current government are being translated in a
way that exemplifies a sure trend towards improvement.
Furthermore, the level of development of oil and gas in Azerbaijan makes it a
significant country for a energy starved Pakistan. Their expertise in this
sector would benefit Pakistan tremendously. Moreover, it can help Pakistan in
other fields of manufacture and technology. Since Pakistan has a lot of
potential but is far from attaining expertise yet. The President asserted that,
“I've met during these days with the leadership of Azerbaijan, we always came to
the conclusion that Azerbaijan and Pakistan should cooperate with each other in
different fields, and we should benefit of each other's expertise,” and that
“We're going to do wonders in the future.” The fact was exemplified through the
compassion displayed by the First Lady towards the Pakistanis.
For this purpose the President conferred Pakistan’s highest civil award of Hilal-e-Pakistan
upon the First Lady of Azerbaijan, Madam Mehriban Aliyeva, in recognition of her
services to the people of Pakistan and continuous humanitarian work, spanning
over a decade, by her organization “Hyder Aliyev Foundation” in Azad Kashmir and
other parts of Pakistan.