BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 13. The strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are based on a solid foundation, political scientist Azer Garayev told Trend.
"The growth of Azerbaijan's authority in the international arena in recent years also affects relations with various states, raising ties to the level of strategic partnership. The Azerbaijani head of state's invitation to various international events confirms Azerbaijan's growing role. Azerbaijan's bilateral ties with various countries in Europe and Asia turn it into an intercontinental hub. Pakistan is one of the countries with which our country has established close friendly and brotherly ties, interaction within which has risen to the level of strategic partnership," he said.
Garayev noted that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's independence.
"Diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in 1992 and since then, the relations have been continuously developing. Pakistan has consistently supported Azerbaijan's territorial integrity at the international level and did not establish diplomatic relations with Armenia due to its military aggression against Azerbaijani territories.
Political relations between the two countries entered a new stage of development after National Leader Heydar Aliyev met with then-Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 1994. President Ilham Aliyev attaches special importance to the development of relations with Pakistan. Official and working visits to Pakistan have opened new pages in bilateral relations. Visits of Pakistan's leaders to Azerbaijan have also made an important contribution to the development of cooperation," he said.
According to the political scientist, significant steps have also been taken in the field of economic cooperation between the two countries. A joint government-level commission has been established and several important documents have been signed.
"The volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan is growing, and Pakistan is interested in the investments of Azerbaijani companies in the country. More than 3,600 Pakistani companies are registered in Azerbaijan and are actively working in various spheres. Cooperation is also expanding in the humanitarian sphere. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has implemented many socially oriented projects in Pakistan. Schools, medical institutions, and water supply systems have been built in Pakistan on the Foundation's initiative. Cooperation in the humanitarian sphere continued in the following years, and there is also successful cooperation between the two countries in the fields of science and education," he said.
Garayev noted that Azerbaijani-Pakistani relations are experiencing a period of their highest development due to the efforts of the heads of both countries.
He added that the new realities created by Azerbaijan in the region open new prospects for deepening bilateral ties. President Ilham Aliyev's state visit to Pakistan has brought new content and quality to the bilateral relations of the countries and ensured wider coverage of cooperation.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel