By: Zaman Bajwa
ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan and Pakistan are celebrating 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Pakistan recognized independence of Azerbaijan in 1991 (after Turkey) and later the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992. Pakistan was one of the first countries to open its embassy in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan and Pakistan have a unique political relationship that has exceeded territorial boundaries and geographical distances .Both countries have very similar conflicts and supported each other on diplomatic forums. Azerbaijan has territorial conflict with Armenia on Nagorno Karabakh. Pakistan is one and only country in the world which has not recognized Armenia as sovereign state and till yet refuses to do so “until the liberation of Azerbaijan’s occupied territoriesâ€. In the gesture of reciprocity and as a brotherly Muslim country, Azerbaijan has still firm stance in regard to Kashmir conflict as once the founding father of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev said, “Azerbaijan has always, and in all the necessary levels, defended, and is defending today, the just position of Pakistan on Kashmir issue. We strongly condemn and express our objections to the violation of human rights in Kashmirâ€.
