Pakistan and Azerbaijan Strengthen Cooperation

Islamabad (Nama Kund and Khushi, APP) Following Russia, Azerbaijan has brought good news for Pakistan regarding the resolution of the energy crisis. Pakistan is set to receive the next batch of LNG carriers from Azerbaijan, marking a significant milestone in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s six-month-long efforts to secure this deal. The export of LNG to Pakistan has been approved by Azerbaijan’s cabinet. During his visit to Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met with President Ilham Aliyev on the final day of the trip, where he received this positive news. The National LNG Company of Azerbaijan has committed to sending one LNG carrier to Pakistan at a national price. In addition to energy cooperation, the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev resulted in an agreement to expand collaboration between the two nations in areas such as agriculture, transportation, defense, investment, and trade. Azerbaijan has also pledged assistance to Pakistan in meeting its energy requirements in the oil and gas sector. At the government level, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Azerbaijan’s Sokar Company have been requested to play a significant role in fulfilling Pakistan’s energy needs. Azerbaijan has already imposed import duties on rice imported from Pakistan. Azar Airlines of Azerbaijan will operate two flights to Islamabad and Karachi, and Azar Banyan plans to invest in Pakistan’s solar energy sector. The defense cooperation between the two countries will also be strengthened under their joint leadership. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan was the second country to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence, following which Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev signed a defense cooperation agreement on March 1, 2017, during the ECO meeting. During a joint press conference with President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif expressed his delight in visiting Azerbaijan and praised the President’s visionary leadership. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to enhance mutual trade and cooperation in various fields, stating that both countries must work together to tackle present challenges. He highlighted the longstanding and sincere relationship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan while acknowledging that there is room for improvement in crucial areas such as trade, investment, mutual visits, and cooperation. The love and affection between the people of the two nations are evident through the display of the Pakistani flag throughout Baku. Regarding the energy sector, the Prime Minister stressed the urgency of addressing Pakistan’s energy shortage. With an annual expenditure of $27 billion on imported fuel, Pakistan is facing difficulties due to rising prices caused by the crisis in Ukraine. To overcome this challenge, the Pakistani government is committed to promoting solar energy as an alternative to expensive imported fuels for industries, exports, and commerce. The Prime Minister also mentioned the significant trade opportunities available through Gwadar, connecting Pakistan to the Kurdish countries. He expressed gratitude to President Aliyev for lifting the duty on Pakistani rice and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, commending the country’s armed forces for their bravery in fighting for Azerbaijan’s rights. The Prime Minister clarified that the defense cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan is not driven by aggression but aims to maintain regional peace. Additionally, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif shed light on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir under the illegal rule of India, expressing concern for the suffering of the Kashmiri people. He appreciated Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership role in developing the impressive infrastructure and construction of Ko Shir and requested Azerbaijan’s expertise in horticulture and waste management for Islamabad. He extended an invitation to President Aliyev to visit Pakistan. President Ilham Aliyev welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation, affirming that both countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, and education. He further added that they have also agreed to increase the number of military exercises, as military capabilities are crucial for ensuring independence and territorial integrity, especially given the changing circumstances. The President emphasized that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have always stood together on global issues due to their shared views on various matters.