Pakistan keen to join International North-South Transport Corridor Pakistani Envoy

Interviews 11:47 31.01.2020

Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Azerbaijan Saeed Khan Mohmand and the Military Attache of the Embassy for Azerbaijan and Georgia Nadeem Yaqoob Chaudhry were the guest of honour at the headquarter of International Eurasia Press Fund. Being pleased from the long-time friendly relations between organisation and the Embassy, the envoy expressed his deepest gratitude to the head of organisation as well as the Eurasia Diary’s editorial for holding close cooperation with them. 

Ambassador and the Head of IEPF discussed furthering this cooperation as well as touching on role of unbiased media in spread of truth in the world. During the meeting, the Ambassador and IEPF president spoke of many issues, including Kashmir and Garabagh problems. 

In his exclusive interview to Eurasia Diary, the Ambassador Saeed Khan Mohmand also answered several questions related to the roles of both countries in development of economies, trades, tourisms and militaries of each other.       

2019 has been a year full of tensions for the Kashmir issue. Both February’s clashes and the abolition of August’s autonomy by India further increased the risk of conflict in Kashmir and the region. What specific and practical steps are you planning to take to address the official Islamabad problem in 2020? 

As you correctly mentioned, the 2019 was a year of full of tensions, especially between Pakistan and India. Despite we have many times called them to come for peace talks either at the ministerial or presidential levels, India always denied to meet us for negotiations, particularly on the issue of Kashmir thinking they are constitutionally right, which is the part of their Indian Union. Of course, as a peace loving country we know all conflicts and issues can only be solved on a good negotiation table. Concerning the Kashmir conflict, we never changed our stance, in which we always advocated and professed the fact that the issue of Kashmir should be solved in accordance to the 11th resolution of the Security Council, and this is precisely the structure of our position on establishing peace and security not only in the region but also globally. We keep searching ways for solution by also asking the international communities, International Human Rights Organisations to visit Kashmir and become witness to the situation. I will unfortunately add that it is so far impossible for them to go to Indian part of Kashmir where is strictly blockaded for even politicians of whom they are afraid to uncover truth about the Indian claims over Kashmir issue. However, we are still hopeful by continuing to address this issue to International Community, the civilised community and civil societies as we believe this issue may have serious consequence not only in the region but also beyond our territories. 

Dear Ambassador, I would like to remind you the recent meeting of Prime Minister of Pakistan H.E. Imran Khan and President of Azerbaijan H.E Ilham Aliyev in Davos. How do you see the relations developing between both countries after the meeting of political leadership?      

Obviously, relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan at the level of leadership have been very cordial, brotherly and friendly. Let me tell one particular thing, which our President mentioned at the meeting that apart from the visits of two prime ministers it was the 5th president of Pakistan to have visited Azerbaijan. So, it was seven visits of top leaders of Pakistan who visited Azerbaijan in the past 29 years since independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

In general, the Davos meeting was very useful for the countries which brought us together to exchange our views and find solution for peace not for only conflict in Kashmir but also in Afghanistan. During the meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Ilham Aliyev also discussed the conflicts of Kashmir and Upper Garabagh thinking prospects for peaceful solution of the issues as well as touching some other global problems. Moreover, it is expected this year the two leaders to plan mutual visits to countries of each other for further developing the relations between two countries.    

From 2016 to the present, military cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan is developing and expanding. What will be the main priorities for military cooperation in 2020? 

Pakistan would always like to develop relations with Azerbaijan in diverse fields. Of course, military is one of them though which we want to address all legitimate concerns and requirement of Azerbaijan.  As you know, at the very start of this year, on the 16th of January the representatives of Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry had visited Pakistan. The scope of ongoing talks covered the main requirements in Azerbaijan’s defence system. Pakistan cares about Azerbaijan’s needs and in the passage of time aim to continuously support Azerbaijan’s armed forces with all necessary military ammunitions. 

I would like to add one more thing that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are not the warmonger countries, and especially Pakistan develops its military power for legitimate defence needs but not offence needs. We are peaceful countries and support peace in every issue though we try to advance our military for only protection of our country as well as ensuring safety and stability. 

We have always been fully supported by Pakistan in many issues, including Garabagh conflict, whether during the April battles or during the August events, or at the other times. However, is official Islamabad satisfied with Baku’s position towards Kashmir conflict? Do you consider Baku is able to support its ally in all these matters? 

Azerbaijan is an important member of the OEC contact group on Kashmir along with other four countries. It is significant to note that Azerbaijan has always come up with the press releases on that issue whenever that was required in the context of OEC. 

In many disputes, you always need a global community to come forward and Azerbaijan has been a vocal for voicing in favour of Pakistan speaking against the prejudice. Therefore we appreciated Azerbaijan’s stance on the issue of Kashmir. 

Why Pakistan is not in the International North-South Transport Corridor despite the fact that Azerbaijan has stressed Pakistan’s importance for this project since 2005? Turkey and Iran are also making diplomatic efforts to include Pakistan in the project, noting that “Gwadar” is essential for the sustainability of the project. Is Pakistan interested in joining this project?  

Pakistan is very keen to join the project as we have been making many efforts for this. However, it is not up to us to be in the project alone, but it is also up to Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan to initiate. On the other hand, the problems of countries, such as sanctions on Iran and tensions in its international relations cause delay in fast development of project. Given this all, we do not know how far it would go until we finish the project, but we are still interested to participate in the project and also want Jawhar to join the project as well, which will be very beneficial for all countries. 

Besides, at the meetings with Azerbaijani authority, I mentioned the Gwadar port, which is capable of handling 3 to 400 mln tons of cargo. It means for Azerbaijan and Russia to have another potential of transport corridor for their goods to go through this way right up to China in just a couple of days.    

Pakistan and Azerbaijan are developing economies and can benefit from each other in different fields. Although there has been improvement in trade in the last 3 year, but what all steps you will suggest enhancing our economic relations to the new heights. 

As is known, Azerbaijan has a lot of expertise and experience in the energy field and in this regard, Pakistan is open for investment in this field too. The good news is that there are already talks going on the establishment of LNG terminals by SOCAR. 

Alternatively, Pakistan has much industrialised zone and offers another option for Azerbaijanis to come and talk at the government level for investment in Pakistan’s economic areas, especially the corridor near to border of China. 

I would like to add that Pakistan is ready to develop relations in education, tourism, pharmacy trade and in many other fields of business with Azerbaijan.     

Let me inform that this morning I had another meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister Ramiz Hasanov to discuss many beneficial projects, including establishing air link that might provide cheaper cargo and travel for people visiting each other from Pakistan and Azerbaijan. 

In addition, Pakistan very often hold many exhibitions in Azerbaijan. Last year we had three exhibitions here on products of Pakistan. Also in March, we had a triangular exhibition including Turkey, Azerbaijan and Pakistan, after which we had also another one held by the pharmaceutical federation of Pakistan in November. 

Pakistan is a staunch partner of Azerbaijan and we work on many projects for the sustainable development of economic relations with this country.

Interviewed by Elnur Enveroglu 
Editor-in-Chief of Eurasia Diary
 
IEPF issued a statement regarding Azerbaijani children at the UN Human Rights Council

News line

IEPF has started a new project to support local NGOs
16:05 04.06.2025
Zelenskyy says Ukraine has invitation to attend NATO summit
12:03 03.06.2025
Houthis say they attacked Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport
11:57 03.06.2025
Pakistan thanks Azerbaijan for support in localizing gas resources
11:50 03.06.2025
TPAO joins production sharing agreement for Shafag-Asiman offshore block
11:43 03.06.2025
US tariffs on steel, aluminum imports of 50% to take effect on June 4
11:50 31.05.2025
Lachin Rising: A Brotherhood of Steel Between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan
15:02 30.05.2025
"Türkiye welcomes Azerbaijan's efforts for peace in South Caucasus"
14:53 27.05.2025
Trump could exit Ukraine talks
13:56 27.05.2025
North Korea says US 'Golden Dome' risks 'space nuclear war'
12:01 27.05.2025
Hikmat Hajiyev meets with NATO Deputy Secretary General in Brussels
11:10 23.05.2025
Foreign diplomats visit Agdam Conference Center
21:35 21.05.2025
New Secondary School Opened in Gakh by Heydar Aliyev Foundation
21:22 21.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Turkish Presidents Meet One-on-One in Nakhchivan
21:03 21.05.2025
Opening ceremony of World Cup held in Baku
20:57 21.05.2025
Pashinyan, EU Envoys Discuss Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace
19:52 21.05.2025
New Deputy Appointed to Nakhchivan Education Minister
19:20 21.05.2025
Nakhchivan marks Türkiye’s National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
17:42 21.05.2025
F.Shafiyev: Azerbaijan-Türkiye unity is example of effective cooperation
17:35 21.05.2025
Azerbaijan to build circular power link in Karabakh
17:28 21.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Italy discuss prospects for defense cooperation
17:19 21.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev addresses conference on Western Azerbaijan in Ankara
17:14 21.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Türkiye uphold international law for regional stability
17:03 21.05.2025
President of Cuba congratulates President Ilham Aliyev
16:58 21.05.2025
Azerbaijani President: Digitalization of the Middle Corridor is a priority
16:53 21.05.2025
Erdogan: Ilham Aliyev will be remembered as a peacemaker
16:48 21.05.2025
TDT: Azerbaijan is very important for the development of the Turkic world
16:43 21.05.2025
Georgian minister discusses cooperation with Azerbaijani ambassador
16:35 21.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Türkiye mull prospects for development of military cooperation
16:29 21.05.2025
Azerbaijan and Croatia hold political consultations
16:24 21.05.2025
GlobE Network work plan for 2025 approved in Baku
16:18 21.05.2025
Talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia may be held at level of heads of state
12:21 19.05.2025
A Meeting of Nobles exhibition to open in Shusha
12:15 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan increases construction by over 2026
12:09 19.05.2025
How does space "sound"? -NASA created "music" from the sounds of black hole
12:03 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan joins Fez Festival of World Sacred Music
11:57 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan’s parliamentary delegation starts official visit to Spain
11:53 19.05.2025
EU countries agree on big defence fund with Azerbaijan- Diplomat Says
11:48 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan,Türkiye Hold Talks on Education Sector Cooperation
11:42 19.05.2025
Azerbaijani delegation attends Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025
11:36 19.05.2025
Hamısı