Pak highly value its relations with Azerbaijan: NA Speaker
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—The Speaker National Assembly Ch Amir Hussain ha said that Pakistan values high its relations with Azerbaijan and both the countries have convergence of vies and perceptions about regional and international issues.
He expressed these views in his meeting with Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation who called on him Wednesday at parliament house. The speaker said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have similar history, culture, religion and geography and both the countries are having deep interest in promoting peace in the region and to explore the potential in the fields of trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment, sports goods and tourism for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He expressed hope that the visit of Parliamentary delegation to Pakistan will bring both the countries closer. He said that the economies of both the countries can flourish by increasing cooperation and mutual exchange of experience in all sectors of the economy.
The speaker apprised the delegation about Pakistan’s efforts for establishing in the region. He also apprised the delegation of Pakistan efforts for peaceful resolution of Kashmir problem. The speaker said that Pakistan wanted peace in Afghanistan and curb terrorism and extremism for promotion of regional and bilateral cooperation in all sectors of the economy. He said that the President Pervez Musharraf’s vision of enlightened moderation has helped in removing the west’s misconceptions against Pakistan and Islam.
The speaker apprised the delegation about the strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan, empowerment of women and masses at grass root level through the local bodies. He also apprised them about the working and composition of the parliament and the local bodies. He underlined the need for strengthening of democratic institutions through enhanced interaction between the parliamentarians and intellectuals of the two countries and sharing their experiences. The speaker underlined the importance of Gwadar port for Azerbaijan and the central Asian states besides its advantages for Pakistan.
Mr Eldar Ibrahimov leader of the delegation said that Azerbaijan always supported Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir for their right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir. He said that the relations between the two countries have a significant impact on the regional security. The delegation appreciated President Musharraf’s address to the parliament of Azerbaijan that he made during his last visit.
The leader of the delegation also extended the formal invitation to the Speaker NA from the speaker of Azerbaijan National Assembly to visit Azerbaijan.