“It is known that the first years of independence of our state were extremely difficult. Almost all areas were in crisis, the economic and political decline was deepening. On the one hand, the military occupation of our territories by the occupying country and the fact that our people became forced refugees made the situation even more tense. In addition, there was confusion in both the domestic and foreign policy of our country, a unified state policy was not formed, and there was no concrete position in the middle. Of course, all these mentioned things created serious obstacles to the establishment of relations with foreign countries and, in general, the entry of our country into the existing international system. In such a situation, it was Brotherly Pakistan that came close to us, supported us from the bottom of its heart, recognized the independence of our state after Turkey and established the first diplomatic relations. The friendly country has always attached special importance to these relations and has always kept them on the agenda. Therefore, Azerbaijani-Pakistani relations have developed in a rising line over the years and reached the level of strategic alliance.”
Sattar Mohbaliyev, chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHIK), deputy of the 6th Milli Majlis, expressed these views to the mass media.
Recalling the meeting of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev with Benazir Bhutto, who was the Prime Minister of Pakistan at that time, in December 1994 in the framework of an international event, the chairman of AHIK said that contacts and mutual visits intensified after that, and bilateral relations entered a new stage: “In 1995, Pakistan The official visit of the then president to our country, and the official visit of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to our brotherly country in 1996 opened new pages in our relations. Even after the head of state, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, was elected president for the first time, relations with Pakistan were a priority in our country’s foreign policy, and high-level relations were continued. Organized mutual official and business visits, as well as meetings held at the level of heads of state and government within the framework of international events, discussions on beneficial cooperation have stimulated the dynamics of relations and led to the expansion of cooperation in many fields.
Sattar Mohbaliyev particularly emphasized the moral and political support of the brotherly country to Azerbaijan regarding the former Karabakh conflict: “In general, during the conflict, the main aspect of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy was to convey Armenia’s occupation policy to the world and achieve a solution to this conflict. During those periods, Pakistan supported our rightful cause wholeheartedly, showed a firm and unequivocal position, continuously defended the territorial integrity of our country in the global world, and stood in solidarity with the state and people of Azerbaijan. Also, for this reason, he did not establish diplomatic relations with Armenia, and did not even recognize its independence and existence as a state. By the way, the special services of official Islamabad in the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution No. 822 regarding Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan are undeniable. All this is, without a doubt, a policy based on truth and justice, a manifestation of sincere and selfless friendship.”
“At the same time, during the 44-day Patriotic War, which opened a new page in our history with a unique Victory, which resounded around the world, and ended with the destruction of the invading army, the friendly country expressed its great support and officially declared that it was with Azerbaijan. Every day, the mass media of Pakistan provided updated news and information about the war, and conveyed the reality, the real truth, to the country and the world community. The representatives of the fraternal people were as happy as we were at the news of the victory and shared their feelings through social networks. As a symbol of gratitude for this, the flag of Pakistan was raised together with our flag in all parts of our country. Let me inform you that Azerbaijan’s position on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir remains unchanged. Thus, our state supports the peaceful solution of the problem within the framework of international law, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN,” he stressed.
AHIK Chairman Sattar Mohbaliyev also spoke about the services of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its head Mehriban Aliyeva in the development of Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations: “The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which is the author of a number of noble missions and humanitarian projects in our country and the world, has also done socially oriented humanitarian work in Pakistan. With the support of the fund, free medical diagnostics and operations were carried out in the brother country, and many charity events were organized. With the direct support of Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, the Hamza Charitable Foundation is equipped with a special blood transfusion and a small laboratory. Of course, what I have mentioned is only a part of the work done by the Foundation in the brotherly country. For these great services, Mrs. Mehriban has been awarded with the highest awards of Pakistan many times.”
“President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the brotherly country on July 11 is of great importance in terms of the future development of our existing relations. First of all, let me say that the plane of our head of state was met in the air space of Pakistan by the fighter jets of the Air Force of the friendly country and escorted it until it landed. This is a sign of special respect and deep respect for the President of Azerbaijan. Limited and extensive meetings held within the framework of the visit, discussions held, as well as signed documents will have a significant impact on the strengthening of bilateral relations, the expansion and development of strategic partnership. The sincere opinions expressed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif about our country and President Ilham Aliyev, and the expressions reflecting the level of friendship between the two countries, are truly proud. In his speech, President Ilham Aliyev also touched on a number of important points in bilateral relations, and declared that partnership will be strengthened, especially in the fields of economy, trade and investments. Also, it was specially mentioned that brotherly countries will defend each other and show solidarity at the international level. This shows that relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan will continue to develop dynamically in existing and newly added directions,” the head of the Confederation added.