ISLAMABAD: The eighth session of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Commission decided successfully in Islamabad, where both nations confirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration across various sectors. Co-chaired by Federal Minister for Defence Production Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Azerbaijan Minister for Defence Industry Vugar Valeh Oglu Mustafayev, the session marked a essential step in mutual relations.
One of the key results was the agreement to implement the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), signed in July 2024. This agreement aims to boost trade by reducing charges on selected goods, thereby raising economic growth in both countries.
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Key Highlights of the Joint Commission Session
1. Enhanced Trade and Investment Opportunities
To support economic connections, the two sides agreed to explore joint projects and investments, especially in energy, agriculture, and defence. Moreover, they highlighted the importance of encouraging business-to-business exchanges to unlock available potential.
2. Energy Collaboration
Furthermore, Pakistan invited Azerbaijan to participate in strategic energy projects, including the development of underground gas storage and the placing of a white oil pipeline. These initiatives aim to address energy security while also improving infrastructure in both countries.
3. Defence Industry Cooperation
In addition to trade and energy, the nations guaranteed to accelerate the authorization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint production and sale of defence equipment. This collaboration is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of both countries’ defence industries.
4. Agricultural Development
Recognizing the importance of agriculture, the session also focused on advancing research in cotton, grain cultivation, and seed development. Consequently, this collaboration is expected to improve trade in agricultural commodities and support food security.
5. Healthcare Initiatives
Similarly, in healthcare, both sides agreed to share expertise in advanced diagnostics, address public health emergencies, and promote medical tourism. Collaborative research and capacity building will further strengthen this partnership.
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Commitment to Strengthening Ties
In addition to sectoral collaborations, the nations highlighted the need to enhance cooperation between their Customs authorities. As part of this effort, they expressed a commitment to signing an MoU for establishing an Advance Electronic Data Interchange, which will streamline trade processes.
High-level exchanges, including visits by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and former Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have already played a significant role in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. As a result, this session served as another step forward in strengthening bilateral relations.
Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted the importance of these agreements in promoting development and prosperity for both nations. Meanwhile, Minister Mustafayev noted that the creation of new joint working groups would cover the way for deeper collaboration in the future.
Looking Ahead
The session decided with the announcement that the ninth meeting of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Commission will be held in Baku in 2027. Both nations repeated their commitment to support mutual connections for the mutual benefit of their people.
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