ISLAMABAD, Nov 06 (APP): Pakistan, Azerbaijan reaffirm deep cultural and diplomatic bonds on Victory Day Seminar held here to marks five years of Azerbaijan’s triumph, calls for stronger cooperation in education, trade, and defense.
The seminar, titled “Azerbaijan–Pakistan Friendship: The Fifth Anniversary of Victory Day,” was held under the joint initiative of the MUSLIM Institute and the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre.
The event celebrated Azerbaijan’s victory over Armenia in the 2020 conflict and underscored the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Among the speakers were former Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Naela Chohan, former Director of the Foreign Service Academy Dr. Taraq Waheed, Samir Ahmedli, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Azerbaijan, 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.
Speakers noted that formal diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan were established in 1991, following Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union. However, they highlighted that the people of both countries share centuries-old cultural, spiritual, and linguistic connections that go beyond politics or diplomacy.
The panelists reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for Azerbaijan, especially during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and in response to Armenian aggression. They recalled that Pakistan had raised its voice at international forums in support of Azerbaijan’s position, including during the Khojaly massacre. Similarly, Azerbaijan has continuously backed Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue.
Reflecting on the 2020 war, speakers said that renewed hostilities began in September that year and continued for 44 days, concluding in November with Azerbaijan’s military success. They described the victory as a demonstration of the unity and resilience of the Azerbaijani people. The commemoration, they said, was a tribute to those who lost their lives defending their homeland.
Participants stressed that remembering such national sacrifices is vital for strengthening unity and national resolve. They emphasized the importance of countering global silence on ongoing conflicts in Kashmir, Palestine, Gaza, and other occupied territories, urging stronger and more coordinated international advocacy for oppressed communities.
The speakers affirmed that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share a deep sense of brotherhood founded on faith, solidarity, and mutual trust. Pakistan, they said, has extended unwavering support to Azerbaijan without seeking any strategic or economic gain.
They also underlined the need to expand cooperation in multiple sectors, including education, trade, culture, and defense, to further enhance bilateral relations. Both nations, they concluded, should continue to work closely in regional and global platforms to promote peace, development, and shared prosperity.
The seminar concluded with a joint reaffirmation of friendship between the two countries and a commitment to further strengthening ties through cultural and academic exchanges, defense collaboration, and people-to-people contact.