Zaman Bajwa
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 In 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€. Pakistan and Azerbaijan have pleaded their case on International forums and have supported each other on every forum be it United Nations or any other. Pakistan and people of Pakistan can understand and feel the pain of Azerbaijan and sufferings of people of Nagorno Karabak. Pakistan demands justice for Khojaly Genocide .Where more than 613 civilians, including 106 women and 63 children were killed by Armenian and CIS armed forces. The bilateral strategic cooperation between these two countries embraces the economic, cultural and especially defense fields. Taking into account their close ties, the current level of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan need to be emphasized. While Azerbaijan defense industry has strategic relations with various other countries, Baku has been seeking ways of expanding military cooperation with Pakistan in particular over the last years. Two countries signed a defense agreement in May of 2003, which allow Azerbaijan military staff, in particular special force units, to take part in annual military drills along with Pakistani armed forces. Azerbaijan is looking for JF-17, a multi functional aircraft that was jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Although Azerbaijan has expressed interest in importing JF-17 but no formal deal has yet been finalized. Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed a trade and economic cooperation agreement in Oct, 1995, which was expired in 1998. Since then, no substantial agreement has been made between two countries on economic affairs. The only existing institutional economic agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan is known as the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC). Unfortunately, this single institution does not get appropriate consideration of officials from both sides.Now Pakistan and China are developing CPEC, which will be a game changer for whole region .Pakistan is developing new economic relationship with central Asia. It’s a golden opportunity for both countries to develop new trade agreement to get benefit from CPEC. The Current Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Mr.Ali Alizada is a very active personality which can play a very important role in this regard. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has not yet granted membership to Azerbaijan.. Pakistan can use its diplomatic channels for Azerbaijan?s inclusion, which would further reduce import duties and be useful for exporting Pakistani products. There should be student and cultural exchange programs which will increase people to people contact between two brother Muslim countries.
