11:12

On October 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Axar.az reports that the President stated that General Sahir Shamshad Mirza's visit creates a good opportunity to further review strong partnerships and cooperation in defense and other areas between the two countries.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that his recent state visit to brotherly Pakistan was very successful and productive, contributing to the elevation of friendly and brotherly relations to a higher level.

He noted that both countries have always supported each other regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty issues, and will continue to do so.

The President mentioned that the main directions of cooperation, including trade relations, have already been determined. He stated that during his state visit to Pakistan, he announced Azerbaijan's investment opportunities in the country, amounting to 2 billion USD, and that close cooperation in this area could be beneficial for both sides.

In discussing defense cooperation, President Ilham Aliyev recalled with satisfaction the recent inclusion of JF-17C aircraft into the arsenal of the Azerbaijani Air Force, stating that they are among the best aircraft in the world. He emphasized that this event serves to further strengthen collaboration in defense and the defense industry. The President expressed confidence that extensive cooperation in the defense industry, including in production, investment, and technology, will yield successful results.

He also noted that the participation of Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in the COP29 event and his upcoming state visit to Azerbaijan are highly anticipated.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope for successful meetings to be held by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Pakistan in Baku.

Sahir Shamsad Mirza emphasized his honor in meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, highlighting that Ilham Aliyev is a legendary figure. The guest conveyed greetings from Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, as well as the best wishes of the Pakistani people to Azerbaijan's leader.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings and requested that they be relayed to the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Sahir Shamsad Mirza noted that the Azerbaijani President's state visit to Pakistan serves as a historical cornerstone in the development of bilateral relations.

The guest emphasized the significance of Ilham Aliyev's victory in the presidential elections and the ruling New Azerbaijan Party's success in the parliamentary elections, stating that the President is a successor to the wise policies of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Sahir Shamsad Mirza noted that under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership, the development of the Azerbaijani state has been a phenomenal event. He remarked that such progress, including the rapid growth of the Gross Domestic Product and the improvement of the population's welfare, is unmatched in any other country.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Pakistan emphasized the significance of Azerbaijan's victory in the Patriotic War, noting that the country's perspective on its soldiers and officers, promotion of local production, the defense industry complex during the war, and the implementation of a proactive strategy in defense send a clear signal to the world that Azerbaijan is focused on its objectives and moving forward.

The guest noted that the development processes in our country serve as an example, highlighting that Pakistan's brotherly relations with Azerbaijan are based on mutual trust, sincerity, cooperation, and cultural foundations. He extended his congratulations for the upcoming Victory Day, expressing pleasure that this holiday is also celebrated in Pakistan.

Sahir Shamshad Mirza stated that just as Azerbaijan stands by Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, Pakistan also stands by Azerbaijan on the Armenia issue.