Baku: June 23, 2021 (TDI): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa concluded his two days visit to Azarbaijan. During this important visit, he has met with the President of Azerbaijan and other important leaders including the Defence Minister, the Interior Minister, and the Chief of State Border Services.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have always shared cordial relations. The bilateral cooperation between the two countries encompasses economy, culture, politics, and especially the military. Their military cooperation makes a significant contribution in terms of regional security.
Upon his arrival at the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan, the Pakistani Chief was presented a Guard of Honour by a military contingent. He later met with Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan also the Commander in Chief of the Azerbaijan Army. He had meetings with Colonel General Hasanov Zakir Asgar Oglu, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and discussed the matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including recent developments in the Afghan Peace Process and bilateral defense and security cooperation in various fields in the meetings.
The President appreciated the principal position of Pakistan on the second Karabakh War and its support to Azerbaijan at all international forums. Mr Aliyev also reaffirmed the full support of Azerbaijan to Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, based on justice, international law & brotherhood.
The Army Chief said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share common values based on rich cultural, religious and historical affinities and have tremendous geostrategic significance/potential for mutually beneficial and enhanced cooperation at all forums. He also expressed Pakistan Army’s desire to further enhance bilateral military cooperation and regional partnership between the two countries.
General Bajwa also paid a visit to the Alley of the Shahids (Martyrs) and saluted the martyrs. He stated that the victory of Azerbaijan in the Karabakh War is also a victory for every Pakistani as well.
The General concluded his visit on the second day after meeting with the Minister of Interior, Vilayat Eyvazov, and the Chief of State Border Service of Azerbaijan, Elchin Guliyev. The dignitaries agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation and partnership in these fields too.
The Army Chief said the rising geostrategic paradigm in the region requires close cooperation and collective response against common challenges and emphasized the need for increased mutually beneficial engagements at all levels and forums.
The dignitaries also lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Army, its contributions to the prevention of conflict in the region, and its efforts to ensure peace in Afghanistan.
The meetings during the COAS’s visits proved to be quite productive and left both sides with hope for enhanced cooperation in the future.
