BAKU, Azerbaijan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, met the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel General Zakir Hasanov in Baku on Monday.
During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the growing friendship and mutual trust between the two peoples, as well as Azerbaijani-Pakistani relations and strategic partnership.
The sides also discussed the main areas of international military cooperation between the two Countries.
The Pakistan Army Chief congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the victory in the Patriotic War and ensuring the territorial integrity of the Country, wished the mercy of Almighty Allah to the souls of all servicemen and civilians who became martyrs and healing to the wounded.
Noting that there are historically friendly ties between our peoples, General Qamar Javed Bajwa stressed that these relations, as in other spheres, have made a great contribution to the development of bilateral military cooperation between our countries.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, General Bajwa once again brought to the attention that Pakistani specialists are ready to get involved in the process of clearance of the liberated territories of mines and unexploded ordnance.
General Bajwa also noted that there is a wide potential for elevating the military cooperation of the two Countries to a qualitatively new level.
In his remarks, the Azerbaijan defence minister noted that under the command of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, the Patriotic War ended with a glorious victory of the Azerbaijan Army, and our lands were liberated from the occupation.
The minister gave the guest detailed information on the successful military operations carried out by the Azerbaijan Army and the combat experience gained by the forces in this war.
Expressing satisfaction with the development of Azerbaijani-Pakistani military cooperation, Colonel General Z. Hasanov thanked the leadership and people of Pakistan for supporting the fair position of Azerbaijan at all levels and within the international organizations, as well as for the humanitarian aid and moral support provided to our country.
Noting that friendly relations between the leaders of the two countries play a significant role in the development of ties between our states, Colonel General Z. Hasanov stressed the importance of holding such meetings in terms of expanding mutual cooperation.
During the discussion of cooperation development prospects in the military, military-technical, military-educational, and other spheres, an agreement was reached on the joint use of mountain training centers, mountain training of military personnel, as well as conducting joint exercises.
The sides stressing that military relations meet the interests of both Countries noted the necessity to increase efforts in this sphere.
The sides also exchanged views on the organization of mutual visits of servicemen to hold an exchange of experience and a number of other issues.
Earlier upon his arrival, General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Alley of Shehids (Martyrs) and laid wreaths and flowers at the graves of the heroic sons of the Motherland, who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
It was followed by an official welcoming ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defense.
The visiting dignitary was presented a guard of honor, and the national anthems of both countries were played.
The Pakistan Army Chief signed the “Book of Honor” following the protocol.
Separately, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, according to Azertac.
During the meeting, the two dignitaries exchanged views on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.
ISPR Released the following statement:
General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on a two days long official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan called on His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and His Excellency Colonel General Hasanov Zakir Asgar Oglu, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan at Baku, today.
During the meetings, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including recent developments in the Afghan Peace Process and bilateral defence and security cooperation in various fields were discussed. COAS said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share common values based on rich cultural, religious and historical affinities and have tremendous geostrategic significance/potential for mutually beneficial and enhanced cooperation at all forums. COAS also expressed Pakistan Army’s desire to further enhance bilateral military cooperation and regional partnership between the two countries.
The dignitaries thanked COAS for Pakistan’s support of Azerbaijan at all international forums.
Earlier on arrival at the Ministry of Defence, COAS was also presented a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out military contingent.
