Azerbaijan and Pakistan Explore New Horizons for Military Cooperation

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, received a high-level delegation led by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan, on Monday. The meeting underscored the ongoing commitment to strengthening military cooperation between the two nations.

The Pakistani delegation commenced their visit by honoring the memory of Azerbaijani martyrs at the Alley of Martyrs in Baku, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity.

During the official welcoming ceremony at Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, the delegation was greeted with a ceremonial passage in front of the guard of honor, followed by the performance of the national anthems of both countries. In line with diplomatic protocol, General Mirza signed the Book of Honor, marking the significance of the visit.

Minister Hasanov warmly welcomed the guests, expressing satisfaction at their presence in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that military relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are rooted in friendly and fraternal ties. The minister highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral and trilateral military cooperation among Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye.

Furthermore, he briefed the Pakistani delegation on the current operational situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border. General Mirza expressed appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality extended by the Azerbaijani side, noting the importance of mutual visits in advancing military cooperation.

The discussions, attended by Khazar Farhadov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, focused on new avenues for military, military-technical, and military-educational cooperation between the two countries, as well as other matters of mutual interest.

Following the meeting with Minister Hasanov, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, engaged with the Pakistani delegation. They deliberated on the current state of military cooperation and exchanged views on measures to further strengthen collaboration. The necessity for increased joint exercises involving Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye was emphasized, along with discussions on the prospects for deepening mutual relations.