Yavar Jamalov, Minister of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan called on President of Pakistan.

President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan should make coordinated efforts to increase the volume of bilateral trade and urged for greater cooperation between the two friendly countries in energy, defence and communication sectors to the mutual benefit.

The President expressed these views in a meeting with Yavar Jamalov, Minister of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Tuesday. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Defence Production and Chingiz Garibli, Charge d’affaires of Azerbaijan to Pakistan were also present during the meeting.

President Mamnoon Hussain said that the two countries enjoy excellent brotherly relations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. The President said that current trade volume between the two countries was below potential and emphasized the need to enhance it through joint efforts.  The President hoped that the 6th session of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) would be helpful in enhancing bilateral trade volume and further cementing economic relations between the two countries. President stated that there should be more connectivity between South Asia, Central Asia, Southwest Asia and China to achieve prosperity for the people of these regions.

The President said that Pakistan has been the worst victim of terrorism and operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists and extremists has been very successful emphasizing that it will continue till elimination of the last terrorist.

The President called for increase in people to people contacts and frequent exchange of business and cultural delegations to further boost bilateral relations in all fields. The President asked Yavar Jamalov to convey his best wishes to President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady and the people of Azerbaijan.

Yavar Jamalov, Minister of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan said that Azerbaijan is looking forward to expand its bilateral relations with Pakistan in diverse areas particularly in trade and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation between the two countries would touch new heights in future.  Minister of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan thanked Pakistan for consistently supporting Azerbaijan on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. He also conveyed heartiest greetings from President Ilham Aliyev for the President, government and the people of Pakistan.