Colonel General Karim Valiyev, First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.
During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, with a particular emphasis on the evolving global and regional security environment. The two leaders expressed a shared commitment to bolstering defence cooperation and fostering joint efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s fraternal ties with Azerbaijan and reiterated the resolve to further strengthen bilateral military and diplomatic relations.
He congratulated the visiting dignitary on the successful conclusion of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, terming it a positive development for the region.
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Colonel General Valiyev praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their role in recent operations, including Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. He also extended felicitations on Pakistan’s Independence Day and related celebrations.
The COAS expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its support during national operations and acknowledged the participation of the Azerbaijani contingent in Pakistan’s Independence Day ceremony.
In a notable gesture, Colonel General Valiyev conferred upon Field Marshal Munir the Patriotic War Medal, one of Azerbaijan’s highest military honours, on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev. The award recognised COAS’ contributions to strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan military cooperation.
Earlier, the visiting dignitary was presented with a guard of honour at GHQ and laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada to pay tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs.
President Zardari meets Azerbaijani envoy
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen its fraternal relations with Azerbaijan during a meeting with Ambassador Khazar Farhadov at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The president described Azerbaijan as a key partner and highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in trade, economy, and regional connectivity. He noted that deepening economic ties and people-to-people contact would contribute to the prosperity of both nations.
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Zardari congratulated the ambassador on the historic peace agreement with Armenia and extended felicitations to President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan. He termed the agreement a step towards lasting peace and regional stability.
The president welcomed the initiation of direct air links between the two countries, calling it a significant development for trade, tourism, and bilateral engagement. He also thanked Azerbaijan for its unwavering support on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, especially within the framework of the OIC Contact Group.
