"In a remarkable display of bilateral cooperation, Federal Minister Sajid Turi, alongside esteemed government officials, embarked on a fruitful visit to Azerbaijan. The purpose of this visit was to explore and expand promising opportunities in tourism and labor collaboration between the two nations. Minister Turi's meeting with Chairman Fuad Naghiyev of Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency proved to be a significant step towards strengthening the bond between the two countries and fostering cultural exchange."
This statement was made by Qaiser Nawab, Founder President of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Alumni Association (PAAA) and an international expert on central and Eurasia, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to Ednews.
Q.Nawab noted that the discussions primarily focused on the breathtaking northern areas of Pakistan, as well as religious tourism in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. Minister Sajid Turi extended a cordial invitation to Chairman Fuad Naghiyev to experience the beauty of Pakistan firsthand, emphasizing the desire to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between the tourism authorities of Azerbaijan and Pakistan:
"The visit holds great promise for both countries, as it opens up opportunities for tour operators in Azerbaijan to explore the unparalleled beauty of Pakistan's northern regions. Recognizing the mutual benefits of such collaboration, Minister Sajid Turi emphasized the importance of leveraging tourism as a means to promote socio-economic growth and increase international tourism.
This visit comes in the wake of Prime Minister Shahbaz Shareef's recent trip to Azerbaijan, highlighting the growing priority placed on bilateral tourism ties. The exchange of ideas and experiences between the two nations will undoubtedly enhance the overall tourism sector by sharing best practices and fostering sustainable tourism practices."
Foreign expert added that furthermore, Minister Sajid Turi's visit also included paying tribute to the memory of national leader Heydar Aliyev and academician Zarifa Aliyeva, as well as laying flowers at the graves of the heroic sons of Azerbaijan on the Alley of Martyrs. These gestures signify the deep respect and admiration Pakistan holds for Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage and the sacrifices made for its independence and territorial integrity:
"Minister Sajid Turi's discussions with Minister Sahil Babayev of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan further underscored the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in the social field. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in labor, employment, and social protection, as well as the collaboration document between the National Observatory on Labor Market and Social Protection Issues of Pakistan and the Strategic Research Center of Azerbaijan, demonstrate the dedication to enhancing collaboration and sharing best practices. The visit also highlighted Azerbaijan's recent social reforms and positive experiences in developing digital platforms for social services. Azerbaijan expressed its willingness to share its expertise, particularly the DOST concept, which focuses on creating digital platforms for social services, with Pakistan. The establishment of the Labor Center of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Baku was also discussed as a vital step in furthering relations between member countries, including Azerbaijan and Pakistan."
According to him, Minister Turi's positive impressions of the visit and his emphasis on expanding bilateral cooperation in labor, employment, and social protection solidify Pakistan's keenness to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan. The signing of the Action Plan for 2023-2024 between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development of Pakistan sets the stage for the implementation of the MoU and collaboration in various key areas, including labor market monitoring, prevention of informal employment, and vocational training programs:
"Minister Turi's visit to Azerbaijan serves as a testament to the deep-rooted friendship, brotherhood, and strategic partnership between the two countries. The government of Pakistan's unwavering support for Azerbaijan, particularly during the 44-day Patriotic War, further reinforces the strong bond that exists. The visit of Federal Minister Sajid Turi has undeniably laid the groundwork for long-lasting cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic growth between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. The beauty of Pakistan's landscapes, the richness of its cultural heritage, and the historical attractions it offers provide a promising platform for collaboration in the tourism sector. Simultaneously, the exchange of ideas and experiences in labor and social protection between the two countries will pave the way for a stronger and more prosperous future."
"The visit of Minister Sajid Turi, combined with the recent high-level visits, further underscores the growing priority placed on bilateral tourism ties and the shared commitment to deepening cooperation. As both nations continue to explore the untapped potential in various sectors, the shared vision of a brighter future for Azerbaijan and Pakistan grows ever closer to realization", expert concluded in the end.
