Among the South Asian countries, Pakistan is considered Azerbaijan’s closest cooperation partner and a brotherly nation. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was one of the first states to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence (December 12, 1991). Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in the 90s (June 9, 1992).
Relations between official Baku and Islamabad are not limited to diplomatic and political spheres; the parties also have a strong foundation for cooperation in economy and defense. Additionally, Azerbaijan-Pakistan cooperation holds significant importance in multilateral platforms within international organizations.
As a result of these high-level relations, political leaders of Azerbaijan and Pakistan frequently make reciprocal visits.
In an exclusive interview Pakistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin spoke about the details of this visit, as well as steps to be taken to elevate relations to the level of strategic partnership, work done to increase trade turnover, Pakistan’s participation in the North-South International Transport Corridor project, cooperation in defense, environmental fields, Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, and Pakistan-India relations were among the topics addressed.
– How would you characterize the current state of relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan? As an Ambassador, what steps do you consider necessary to elevate Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations to the next level?
– Our two countries enjoy brotherly relations deep-rooted in a common religion, culture and respect for each other. Pakistan is one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence and the only country that does not recognize Armenia. A strong foundation of mutual support exists on key issues like respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Frequent leadership-level exchanges between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev have further deepened bilateral cooperation in all areas.
In all honesty, today the trade between the two countries is not at the level we desire and is far below our potential. However, under the vision of the leadership of our countries, serious efforts are being made to expand relations in various sectors. A renewed focus is on diversifying bilateral trade and enhancing the bilateral trade volumes. We have recently implemented the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and the Transit Trade Agreement (TTA). The two sides are also discussing cooperation in the energy sector and infrastructure development.
Last week, the two sides held the 8th Joint Ministerial meeting (IGC) and the 4th Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) in Islamabad. The two sides discussed measures to align further our national position on foreign policy matters of mutual interest. The two sides also discussed ways to further collaborate in trade and investment, energy, connectivity, defense, health, and people-to-people exchanges, among other areas.
I believe there is a greater need for cooperation between the business structures of our countries, as the government can only create conditions to facilitate relations, but cannot engage directly in business. Therefore, I am trying to encourage closer interactions between the business sectors here. A positive development in this direction is the meeting held between the stock exchanges of the two countries.
Today a fundamental pillar of our bilateral ties is the love and respect between the people of our two countries. Azerbaijan is fast becoming one of the leading destinations for Pakistani tourists. Last year, over eighty thousand visited Azerbaijan. A growing number of students are also enrolling in various educational institutions in Baku. Such interactions serve as a bridge to help foster greater understanding and further strengthen the love and affection between the people of both brotherly countries.
I am confident that 2025 will bring excellent news in all aspects of our bilateral ties.
– Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif plans to visit Azerbaijan in February. In what areas are new cooperation documents planned to be signed during the visit?
The Prime Minister looks forward to his bilateral visit to Azerbaijan in February. Our governments are discussing several new proposals and reviewing how to expand further cooperation in existing areas. One of the main areas we are discussing is the energy sector. We are also working on developing cooperation in the defense field. We hope there will be good news soon.
– What new initiatives are being considered to strengthen economic ties between our countries? What mechanisms exist to increase trade and investment between Pakistan and Azerbaijan? Also, what steps are being taken to reach $2 billion in annual trade turnover?
Conclusion and implementation of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and Transit Trade Agreement (TTA) are significant milestones in our bilateral economic relations. These new positive institutional developments will reduce tariffs and significantly reduce cargo transit times and costs. This will encourage the businessmen of both countries to not only expand trade volumes of existing goods in our markets but would also diversify items which could be sold in each other’s markets. Against this background, reaching the two billion dollar target seems possible. It may take some time, but I believe we will ultimately reach the target. One or two major investment agreements would be sufficient to achieve this amount.
Both sides are also exploring cooperation in high-yield sectors including energy, IT, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and infrastructure development. We are also exploring how our two sides can have joint ventures for mutual economic benefit.
Last week, the 8th Joint Commission meeting took place in Islamabad. Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Azerbaijan’s Minister for Defence Industry Vugar Mustafayev led the delegations. Discussions took place across various key sectors, including energy, connectivity, trade and investment, defence industry, ICT, banking, agriculture, tourism, health, and climate change.
– Mr. Ambassador, Pakistani companies recently highlighted that they want to invest in Azerbaijan’s textile industry. We would like to know in which other sectors your companies are interested in investing in Azerbaijan. In general, are there any new investment projects?
There is indeed great potential for cooperation in the textile sector. Pakistan’s textile industry is well-established and dynamic. Apparel is being produced in Pakistan for almost all the major international brands. With Azerbaijan’s growing market demand for quality garments and Pakistan’s expertise in ready-made garments, cooperation in apparel manufacturing could be very fruitful.
There is tremendous interest in Pakistan in investing in Azerbaijan’s construction sector. It would be our honor to become part of the reconstruction of the liberated areas of Karabakh.
Pakistan has made tremendous strides in developing and diversifying the energy mix through renewable energy, especially solar. There is great potential for collaboration, including sharing best practices and joint ventures between our two countries in this important sector. In general, discussions are being held on developing cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, and infrastructure. You will receive more detailed information about this when the Prime Minister visits in February. Some projects are being prepared, and I hope they will be announced soon.
There is also great potential for expanding cooperation in the agriculture and livestock sectors, and discussions are underway to enter into mutually beneficial collaboration.
Another promising sector for cooperation is pharmacy. There is great potential here. Azerbaijan currently imports medicines from Europe at high prices, and in many cases, these products are produced in Pakistan. These products are sent from Pakistan to other countries and consequently gain added value. This means Azerbaijan pays extra for the same product. If we can eliminate these intermediaries and establish direct contact, Azerbaijan can obtain quality medicines from Pakistan. In this regard, the investment could be bilateral. That is, our companies could invest in Azerbaijan, and build factories and industrial enterprises here. It is even possible to create joint ventures.
– Recently, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated the importance of expanding the Belt and Road and the International North-South Transport Corridor projects. Considering that India is one of the key stakeholders in the North-South corridor, does Pakistan have plans to participate in this project, and how can it be regulated?
Pakistan is interested and encourages all initiatives and projects that could improve the connectivity of all the countries in our region. Projects including the Belt and Road (BRI) and the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC) would surely help in this regard.
We hope and expect that all the countries in our region adopt a positive stance and rise above petty and myopic politics by India. Improved regional connectivity would help generate stronger regional economic cooperation, which, in turn, would improve the lives of our citizens.
Such collaboration is also essential from the regional security point of view because regional connectivity would lead to regional security and stability.
We would also like to know your thoughts on defense cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Are new defense agreements planned between the two countries? What is the level of joint production of military equipment?
Our two countries enjoy excellent relations in all areas, including defense. We appreciate Azerbaijan’s senior-level participation in the Defense Expo in Pakistan (IDEAS) held in December last year. Pakistan also participated at a senior level in the September Defense Expo held in Baku (ADEX) last year. You may recall that among other defense equipment from Pakistan which was on display at ADEX, Pakistan’s indigenous JF17 Thunder fighter aircraft were the highlight. Now, they are being included in the arsenal of the Azerbaijan Air Force.
Due to the growing sales of sophisticated and deadly weapons to Armenia by several countries, including India, Pakistan completely understands Azerbaijan’s need and efforts to modernize its Defense Forces to maintain regional stability. Azerbaijan has very strong air forces and armed forces. However, having the “JF17” will give additional advantages throughout the region. We are united on every issue. I would say that the cooperation between our countries in the field of defense is like cooperation between brothers.
– How does Pakistan evaluate Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring regional stability?
Azerbaijan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, particularly its control over the Caspian Sea and its land borders with Russia, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, and Turkey; ensures that the country plays a pivotal role in regional stability. I am not saying this because I am the Ambassador of Pakistan; the reality is that Azerbaijan plays a decisive role in the region.
Due to being one of the major energy-producing countries in the world, Azerbaijan is a significant energy supplier to Europe. This, coupled with the fact that the country has one of the strongest Defense Forces in the region, has historically been a critical factor in ensuring the security of the Caucus and beyond. However, in my opinion, Azerbaijan’s real strength is its dynamic and effective foreign policy under the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and the brave people of Azerbaijan.
It needs to be acknowledged and appreciated that Azerbaijan’s successful implementation of its foreign policy and belief in peace and development is playing a crucial role not only for regional security and stability but also for the region’s socio-economic development.
I will take this opportunity to appreciate Azerbaijan’s efforts, under the bold leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, to avoid an arms race with Armenia and instead focus on the reconstruction, return of refugees and economic development of the liberated territories.
But it is unfortunate and a cause of concern that Azerbaijan’s positive gestures for normalization of relations with Armenia are not being reciprocated, even though Azerbaijan attained decisive and complete victory during the second Karabakh War in 2020 and the anti-terrorist operations in 2023.
Efforts should be directed towards regional prosperity instead of an arms race. Unfortunately, the Armenian government ignores such advice that would benefit their own people as well. Armenia should understand that Azerbaijan does not want an arms race. Azerbaijan wants to direct its resources towards returning internally displaced people to their homeland, who were forced to flee due to Armenian occupation. I think Armenia’s Prime Minister should listen to wise advice because Azerbaijan is militarily the strongest and most peace-loving country in the region. However, Azerbaijan also has the right to self-defense.
Today we see attempts to reignite a resolved conflict (Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict – ed.). For Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye, this conflict is a closed chapter. In this case, it is incomprehensible why some countries, including India, are providing Armenia with very dangerous weapons. Against this background, I would like to reiterate that Pakistan has always stood by brotherly Azerbaijan and will continue to do so on the country’s just position on Karabakh.
– Pakistan has been active in combating climate change. Following COP29, are there plans for cooperation with Azerbaijan on environmental issues?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated in COP29. The highest-level participation reflects Pakistan’s readiness to partner with and support Azerbaijan during its Presidency of COP to tackle the common existential threat of climate change.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, underscored by events like the 2022 floods, illustrates the disproportionate impact on countries with minimal contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions. The floods affected over 33 million people, causing significant loss and damage. Pakistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally. This vulnerability necessitates robust international support, especially from major emitters who have historically contributed to the climate crisis. The need for adequate financing is not just for disaster relief but also for long-term adaptation and mitigation strategies, including transitioning to green energy.
– Azerbaijan and Türkiye have repeatedly stated at high levels that the UN, especially the Security Council, needs reform. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan even declared that the world is not made up of 5, referring to the permanent members of the Security Council. What is Pakistan’s stance on this issue?
The United Nations especially the Security Council needs to reform. Pakistan remains opposed to creating additional permanent seats, as permanent membership was a product of post-World War II negotiations, and there is no justification for creating new “centers of privilege” within the UN today. We are against the monopolization of the Security Council by several countries.
A more transparent method for countries seeking more frequent representation on the Security Council could be subject to the democratic process of periodic elections by the UN General Assembly, not through the entrenchment of permanent privileges. However, a broad consensus exists on expanding 2-year non-permanent seats, which Pakistan supports, as they ensure more equitable representation without deepening the divide among Member States. Pakistan proposes that non-permanent members should be elected by the General Assembly. The discussion on this issue continues. The lack of a final result itself reflects the UN’s slow bureaucracy, where discussions have been going on for decades without reaching any conclusion. This shows that the UN system needs reform.
Pakistan supports the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group’s proposal to add 11-12 new non-permanent members, providing greater representation for small and medium states, many of which have never served on the Security Council. This measure will promote accountability and democratization of the UNSC.
– How would you assess Pakistan’s efforts to fight against terrorism in collaboration with neighboring countries?
The post-US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 has reshaped Pakistan’s terrorism landscape. We are witnessing an increase in terrorist attacks linked to Afghan-based terrorist groups. Pakistan has time and again asked Afghanistan to take appropriate and meaningful measures to not allow its soil from once again becoming a hotbed of terrorism. We have even indicated that we are ready to work with the Taliban in this direction. Because Pakistan has always been at the forefront of fighting terrorism and maintains this position today.
We consider the Afghan people our brothers. Pakistan has accepted more than 4 million Afghans into the country for over 40 years. Since the Soviet Union’s intervention in Afghanistan, we have been the country that has accepted the most Afghans. Currently, approximately one million Afghans live in Pakistan. We welcome them with open arms, but in return, the response we receive is nothing but regret. It appears that the government in Afghanistan is either unable to manage the situation or lacks the will to do so. As a result, attacks are being carried out against Pakistan from Afghanistan.
We continue to advise Afghan leadership that their focus should be on the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the socio-economic uplift of the people of Afghanistan and taking effective measures for not providing sanctuary to terrorists carrying cross-border terrorism.
However terrorism in Pakistan emanating from Afghan soil has increased due to a lack of adequate measures by the Afghan side. Consequently, Pakistan’s Armed Forces have been forced to retaliate through a military response. It should, however, be acknowledged that our response could be much stronger, but we are keeping it measured to encourage the Afghan side to heed our advice.
The reason for the increase in terrorist groups in Afghanistan is their financing. It is also no secret that third countries, including India, are pursuing dangerous policies of sponsoring terrorism and carrying out terrorist financing directed towards Pakistan. We have documentary evidence of India’s financing of terrorist organizations in Pakistan. There is an Indian intelligence officer arrested in Pakistan. He was arrested seven years ago and confessed to carrying out attacks against Pakistan. We try to be sincere with India on all issues, but in return, we see terrorism being financed.
Such misadventures undermine regional stability and pose a serious threat to regional peace. It is, therefore, crucial for the international community to take effective measures to stop Indian abetment and export of terrorism and terrorist financing. Indian-sponsored terrorism is not just directed towards Pakistan. The terror and assassinations sponsored by India in Canada and the US have shown Indian sponsored terrorism goes far beyond the region. Therefore, it would be better if the Taliban listened to our advice.
– Azerbaijan supports Pakistan’s rightful position on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. Are there any plans for negotiations with India regarding the Jammu and Kashmir matter?
As a valuable member of the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir, Pakistan greatly values the continued support extended by Azerbaijan to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which remains under brutal Indian occupation for over seven and a half decades.
Real and durable peace in South Asia remains contingent upon the peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations and wishes of the brave Kashmiri people.
Pakistan remains ready for negotiations with India at any level and in any format. However, our good faith is not being reciprocated by India, whose leadership remains focused on following a policy of Islamophobia for political gains.
Since 2019, India’s policy towards Muslims has become even more ruthless. In my opinion, both sides must be sincere for negotiations to take place. If there is no sincerity on one side, it is a waste of time.
Azerbaijan successfully liberated its territories from occupation after 30 years. This is a historical fact and shows that people’s will cannot be suppressed forever. Currently, Pakistan, as Azerbaijan did for many years, wants the issue to be resolved through diplomatic ways. The rights of Kashmiris should be returned to them in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. Until India agrees to this, we will continue our diplomatic and moral support for Jammu and Kashmir. ( Source : Report News)
