Caretaker Planning Minister, Ambassador of Azerbaijan discuss bilateral ties
Islamabad: Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Mr. Khazar Farhadov, called on caretaker Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Muhammad Sami Saeed and discussed matters of mutual interest between the countries.
The meeting was attended by Tamerlan Khalilov, Deputy Head of mission of Azerbaijan, Chief International Trade & Finance, Chief Foreign Aid and other senior officials of the Planning Ministry.
During the meeting both sides discussed various avenues of collaboration between the two countries including bilateral trade, cooperation in energy and economic sectors. They also noted the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations and reiterated resolve to further strengthen relations with focus on different fields like trade, connectivity, energy, tourism and Information Technology.
The Planning Minister emphasized the importance of the long-standing friendship between the two countries and reiterated the commitment to further strengthening the ties.
It is noted that after the restoration of Azerbaijan’s Independence in 1991, Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise its independence. Furthermore, the Planning Minister appreciated the support of Azerbaijan during the flood of 2022 which badly affected Pakistan.
Mr. Khazar Farhadov informed the Planning Minister that since 2022 direct flights between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, have been greatly contributing to these relations. He said that around 50,000 Pakistani tourists visited Azerbaijan in 2022. The government of Azerbaijan facilitates the Pakistani tourist through an online visa which takes three hours. The Planning Minister appreciated this gesture and expressed his eagerness to explore opportunities for collaboration in the field of tourism.