Islamabad; March 13, 2014: Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Acting Speaker National Assembly has said that Azerbaijan and Pakistan were intertwined in bonds of religion, culture and history, therefore, Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Azerbaijan. He expressed these views in a meeting with Ambassador of Azerbaijan H. E. Dashgins Shikarov during his to Embassy of Azerbaijan, Islamabad today.

Murtaza Javed Abbasi said that both the countries have huge economic potential which needs to be exploited for mutual benefit. He said that huge investment opportunities were exist in Pakistan especially in energy, industry, technology and infrastructure sectors. He said investors of Azerbaijan can be benefited from these opportunities. He said regular interaction between the political leadership, parliamentarians and people of both the countries would be helpful in exploring avenues of possible cooperation. The Acting Speaker said that parliamentarians of both the countries could also play an important role in creating better understanding between both the countries. He apprised the Ambassador that a Pak-Azerbaijan friendship group has been constituted in the National Assembly to further strengthening the relations between the Parliaments of both the countries. He also thanked Azerbaijan for gracious assistance during 2005 earthquake. He also suggested to declare Nosherwan town in District Abbottabad and Nosherwan town in Azerbaijan as a twin town.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan H. E. Dashgins Shikarov agreed with Acting Speaker said that his government also strongly desires to have congenial relations with Pakistan. He said that a stable Pakistan was imperative for the peace in the region; therefore, it has always supported Pakistan on all regional and international forums. He assured the Acting Speaker of all out support of Azerbaijan to meet the energy crises in Pakistan. He informed that negotiations between both the governments for setup of Five Thermal Power Projects in Pakistan were under process. He was confident that the agreement in this regard will be signed soon. The Ambassador also apprised the Acting Speaker about the orphanages which have been established with the support of Azerbaijan in Pakistan. He presented an invitation on behalf of Deputy Speaker of Azerbaijani Majlis (National Assembly) to Acting Speaker to visit Azerbaijan.