‘Pakistan and Azerbaijan share centuries-old ties rooted in cultural and spiritual affinity’
Islamabad
A seminar titled “Azerbaijan–Pakistan Friendship: The Fifth Anniversary of Victory Day” was held in Islamabad under the joint auspices of the MUSLIM Institute and the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre.
The event commemorated Azerbaijan’s historic victory over Armenia. Distinguished speakers included Ambassador Naela Chohan Former Acting Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Dr. Taraq Waheed Former Director Foreign Services Academy, Islamabad, Samir Ahmedli Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamabad, Rear Admiral Syed Faisal Ali Shah Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military); and Asif Tanveer Awan, Research Associate at the MUSLIM Institute.
The session was moderated by Dr. Abdul Basit. Addressing the seminar, speakers highlighted that diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan were formally established after Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union in October 1991. However, cultural and brotherly ties between the peoples of the two nations are centuries old, deep-rooted, and enduring.
They emphasized that these relations are not merely political or civilizational but are also based on profound spiritual and cultural commonality. Speakers endorsed that Pakistan has always supported Azerbaijan’s principled stance, particularly against Armenian aggression, atrocities against the Azerbaijani people, and the Khojaly massacre, standing firmly with Azerbaijan at international forums.
Likewise, Azerbaijan has consistently backed Pakistan’s position on Kashmir. They recalled that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was one of the bloodiest chapters of the 20th century.
In September 2020, following renewed aggression by Armenia, a war erupted that lasted 44 days, culminating in Azerbaijan’s decisive victory in November 2020. The speakers termed this triumph a testament to the courage, unity, and indomitable spirit of the Azerbaijani nation.
The event also emphasized that honoring the martyrs of such struggles fosters unity and determination among nations. It was noted that challenging the narratives of oppression is the need of the hour so that the world can hear stronger voices against the ongoing injustices in Kashmir, Palestine, Gaza, and other occupied regions. Speakers reaffirmed that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are brotherly Islamic countries bound by faith, solidarity, and mutual trust. Pakistan has always extended unconditional support to Azerbaijan without any vested interest.
They stressed the need to further enhance cooperation in education, trade, culture, and defense to make bilateral relations even stronger in the years ahead.
