In an exclusive statement to Ednews, Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, the Executive Director of The Center for South & International Studies (CSAIS), sheds light on the recent landmark military cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The agreement, signed during the visit of Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, to Baku, marks a significant development against the backdrop of India and France's support to Armenia.
Dr. Khan, a regional expert on China, CPEC, and BRI, emphasizes the strengthened bilateral military ties between the two nations. The meetings between Asim Munir and Azerbaijan's military and civil leadership, including President Ilham Aliyev, have accelerated military-to-military cooperation and defense collaboration.
The signed defense agreements encompass various aspects, including military cooperation, information sharing, and joint exercises. Notably, Azerbaijan stands as the largest purchaser of defense hardware from Pakistan, solidifying their partnership in areas such as armored vehicles, small arms, and other military equipment. Both countries have expressed interest in joint counterterrorism initiatives, focusing on intelligence sharing and collaborative operations.
The recent 10th meeting between the Azerbaijan-Pakistan working group delved into the current military situation and explored avenues for further collaboration in military education, training, science, operational planning, and joint exercises. The signed final protocol outlines a strategic roadmap for future cooperation, symbolizing a robust bond and shared objectives between the defense forces of the two nations.
The exclusive statement highlights the urgency for increased cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, especially in the face of the emerging military partnership between India and Armenia. Dr. Khan suggests that further consolidation of bilateral military cooperation and trilateral security dialogue among Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye is imperative to address regional security challenges effectively.
The call for collaboration in advanced military technologies, including drone technologies, modern war weaponry, air defense systems, latest radar systems, fifth-generation fighter jets, and light arms, underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing their defense capabilities. As the South Caucasus witnesses geopolitical shifts, the exclusive insights from Dr. Khan suggest that the deepening military alliance between Pakistan and Azerbaijan holds significant implications for the greater Eurasian region.
