Pakistan thanks Azerbaijan for support on Kashmir cause

ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan has declared 2024 as the “Green World Solidarity Year”.

Addressing the event to mark Victory Day of Azerbaijan here, its ambassador Khazar Farhadov reminded the fight against climate change is at the heart of his country’s national agenda as it is hosting COP29 in 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada said Pakistan would continue to support Azerbaijan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

He said, “Over the 34 years of our diplomatic relationship, the two countries have supported each other in every situation and stood together like real brothers”. Bilateral relations are following a positive trajectory, he remarked.

He said both the countries have enormous potential for enhanced trade and investment relations. “We both are committed to taking this relation to new heights”, the minister added.

Commencement of AZAL Airlines operations providing a direct flight link between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, the minister said it will enhance trade and people-to-people contacts. This year, more than 40,000 Pakistanis have visited Azerbaijan, he informed.

Riaz Pirzada said Azerbaijan is a valuable member of OIC Contact Group on Kashmir. He thanked Azerbaijan for its continued support to the just cause of people of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Ambassador Khazar Farhadov recalled the Vicory Day holds profound significance not only for the honour of his nation but also for building of its future. “It is a symbol of resilience, strength and the unyielding spirit of Azerbaijan”, he said.

The envoy said Pakistan’s leaders had voiced unequivocal support for Azerbaijan’s just cause. “It refused to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia due to occupation of our lands”, he recalled.

In recent years, a number of agreements were signed during high-level visits of Prime Minister Pakistan to Azerbaijan and President of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, he said.

Along with increased trade volume, launch of direct flights, joint investment projects and Pakistan’s planned high-level participation at COP29, make a significant contribution to growth of both countries multifaceted cooperation, he said.

The envoy said Azerbaijan launched peace initiatives and began large-scale restoration work in the liberated territories.

“We introduced Great Return Programme, developing smart villages with green energy concept to allow displaced citizens to return home with dignity”, envoy added.