Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: In light of the recent visit of a high-level Pakistani delegation to Azerbaijan, an important review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Privatization and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan to ascertain the progress on investment and privatization issues.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohi Uddin also attended the meeting via video link and apprised that Azerbaijani Government institutions are keen in investing in Pakistan on a “G2G” model and take part in privatization of institutions.
He said that the investment from Azerbaijan is also under consideration in two motorways M6 and M9 in the communications sector of Pakistan. He said that he is keen to quickly resolve investment issues with Central Asian Countries and the purpose of today’s follow-up meeting is also to review the progress made in this regard.
Aleem Khan asked the Ambassador to complete his Embassy’s homework before the meeting of Joint Commission being held the two countries on December 24 & 25, this year.
He added that he wanted to move forward through coordinated measures in all the three sectors of Privatization, Investment and Communication for which he will soon the meeting separately with the Ambassadors of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Aleem Khan said that on trade issues, Central Asian Countries can prove to be a gateway for Pakistan to access Eastern Europe for which we have to make our efforts. He said that Pakistan’s representation in the COP 29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan this month was prominent in the presentation by our country.
The federal secretaries of the privatization and communications departments and the Chairman of the National Highway Authority briefed the meeting regarding their departments and assured to deal with bilateral issues expeditiously in the light of the instructions of Federal Minister.
The meeting also decided to nominate a Focal Person from each department for Pakistan-Azerbaijan issues.
Earlier, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, met with Qasim Mohiuddin, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the country.
Highlighting the friendly and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, Gafarova noted the dynamic development of intergovernmental relations. She emphasized that the existing strategic partnership creates broad opportunities for further evolving their ties.
The Speaker commended the continuous support both countries have extended to one another. Recognizing the role of interparliamentary relations in enhancing bilateral cooperation, they praised the collaborative efforts and mutual support between their parliaments within international parliamentary organizations.
The discussions also focused on preparations for COP29. Gafarova briefed the ambassador on the upcoming Parliamentary Conference in Baku, scheduled for November, which will take place alongside the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29). Ambassador Qasim Mohiuddin highlighted the deep-rooted brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, stating that Pakistan was one of the first countries to confirm its participation in COP29. He expressed confidence that Azerbaijan would successfully host the summit. The ambassador also indicated that Pakistan would be represented at a high level, expressing optimism that the event would strengthen global discussions on climate change.
