Azerbaijan lauds Pakistan’s role in regional stability

• Azerbaijan's defence minister meets Pakistan's chief of army staff.
• Both discuss matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations, OIC session.
• Azerbaijans' defence minister aims at bolstering ties with Pakistan.

RAWALPINDI: Azerbaijan Minister of Defence Colonel General Zakir Hasanov Tuesday heaped praise on Pakistan's role in bringing stability to the region, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.

The Azerbaijani official made the comments during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the ISPR's statement said.

During the meeting between the top-ranking officials, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed.

Read more: Pleased to see Islamophobia being acknowledged as a reality, says PM Imran Khan

For his part, the COAS said that Pakistan values its relations with Azerbaijan, rooted in religious affinity, common values, geostrategic significance, enhanced economic and defence cooperation.

Both the officials reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for peace and security in the region, the ISPR said.

Referring to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) 48th Council of Foreign Ministers session, COAS termed it a historic development for addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and bringing the international community to a shared vision and joint strategy to find a solution to emerging challenges in the region vital for peace and stability.

Read more: COAS Gen Bajwa terms OIC meeting 'historic development'

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability and pledged to play his role for further improvements in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

The military's media wing said Azerbaijans' minister of defence especially appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for hosting the OIC’s 48th Council of Foreign Ministers.

The first day of the 48th OIC conference kicked off earlier today at Parliament House, Islamabad, as the Council of the Foreign Ministers (CFMs) of the OIC started discussions to tackle problems faced by the Muslim world.

The theme of the 48th session is "Building Partnerships for Unity, Justice, and Development". Over 100 resolutions will be considered during the two-day session.

Read more: China attending OIC moot to bolster relations with Muslim world

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he is pleased to see Islamophobia being acknowledged as a reality and that something needs to be done about it.

Speaking about the Kashmir and Palestine issue, PM Imran Khan said that the Muslim nations have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir.

“I’m sad to say that we have not been able to make any impact at all. We are 1.5 billion people but we can’t raise voices against this blatant injustice,” PM Imran Khan said.