Ambassador Khazar highlighted practical milestones, including direct flights operating up to 11 times a week, which have boosted tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections
Ansar M Bhatti
Islamabad – Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilnai termed relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan as exemplary adding both countries have cooperated with each other on various forums.
He expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of Independence Day of Azerbaijan, as the chief guest. Prominent figures, federal ministers including Aleem Khan, Musadaq Malik, Salik Hussain, Shaza Fatima, Azam Nazir Tarar, Tariq Fatemi, Maryam Aurangzeb, Deputy Speaker National Assembly and others attended the event.
The Chairman Senate further said that Pakistan wants to have cordial relations with Azerbaijan adding both countries have huge scope to further diversify their relations. He appreciated leadership of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev whose visionary leadership had made Azerbaijan a strong country.
In his address, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov welcomed dignitaries, colleagues, media representatives, and distinguished guests, extending warm greetings. He described May 28, 1918, as a landmark date when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established — the first secular republic in the Muslim East. “Today, we proudly celebrate the 108th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence and the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918,” Ambassador Farhadov stated.
He noted that within a short time, the first republic established a parliament and government, defined its borders, adopted state symbols, and carried out significant state-building reforms while actively engaging in international relations.
Although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic lasted only 23 months, it left an enduring legacy of democratic values and national statehood that continues to inspire the nation today. As the legal successor to the 1918 republic, Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991. Ambassador Farhadov paid tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev for his pivotal role in preserving sovereignty and building modern state institutions. He emphasized that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan continues to develop and enrich this legacy.
A significant portion of the speech was dedicated to the brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Ambassador Farhadov described the ties as an “exemplary partnership founded upon mutual trust, solidarity, and unwavering support.
”Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence on December 12, 1991, with diplomatic relations formally established on June 9, 1992. The two nations have consistently supported each other both bilaterally and in international forums, particularly during Azerbaijan’s period of occupation and its subsequent liberation and reconstruction efforts.
Today, cooperation spans political dialogue, trade and investment, defense, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. High-level visits and engagements have intensified, reflecting strong political will at the leadership level. G2G, B2B, and P2P contacts are expanding rapidly.
The Ambassador highlighted practical milestones, including direct flights operating up to 11 times a week, which have boosted tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections. He also noted the introduction of Pakistan’s “Asan Khidmat (PAK)” initiative, modeled on Azerbaijan’s successful e-governance service, as a symbol of mutual learning and cooperation.
In Islamabad, beautification projects inspired by the Baku model — executed by the Baku Beautification Team — visibly demonstrate the friendship between the two capitals. Ambassador Farhadov expressed hope for further collaboration in urban planning, municipal development, and architectural innovation.
The Ambassador informed guests that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan.
He concluded by noting Azerbaijan’s successful chairmanship of prominent international platforms, including the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, COP29, and ECO.
