Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan to hold trilateral meeting today

Islamabad: The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan will hold their second Trilateral Meeting on Wednesday (January 13) in Islamabad, the Foreign Office said Tuesday.

The three sides will exchange views on global and regional issues including new and emerging threats to regional peace and security, address challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic, environment and climate change and to achieve economic development targets.

“The three Foreign Ministers would also explore possibilities of deepening trilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest, including peace and security, trade and investment, science and technology, education and cultural cooperation,” the Foreign Office said.

Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey enjoy close fraternal relations based on common faith, values, culture and history; deeply embedded in mutual trust and understanding.

The first round of Trilateral Meeting was held in Baku in November 2017. Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov is arriving in Islamabad on Wednesday on a two-day official visit, the Foreign Office said Tuesday.

On the invitation of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, this will be the first bilateral visit from Azerbaijan at foreign minister level since 2010.

The Foreign Office said the two Foreign Ministers would hold delegation-level talks and review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.

“At the start of the new year, the visit will provide an opportunity to explore ways and means to deepen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields,” the FO statement said issued here.

Apart from reaffirming the excellent political relations, the two Foreign Ministers will discuss possibilities for enhanced collaboration in the fields of oil and gas, agriculture, railways and education.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov will call on President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan besides meeting other dignitaries.

Azerbaijan is a key country of the South Caucasus region and Pakistan’s long-standing friend and partner. The two countries are bound by an exemplary relationship anchored on common historic, religious and cultural links.

Both countries have been closely collaborating on issues of mutual interest at regional and international fora.

Azerbaijan in its capacity as the member of OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir has been steadfastly supporting the just and legitimate cause of the Kashmiri people.