"Peace with Baku is economically beneficial for Yerevan"
Muhammad Asif Noor for Caliber.Az
INTERVIEWS 08 August 2022 - 14:33
Matanat Nasibova Caliber.Az |
Caliber.Az had an interview with the Director of Pakistan Institute of Peace and Diplomacy (Islamabad), international expert Muhammad Asif Noor.
- How do you assess the current relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan? Is there a potential for expansion of cooperation, especially in the military-technical sphere?
- The positive direction of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations was not achieved overnight, rather it is the result of three decades of cooperation, backed by common history, culture, and religion. As a consequence, both states support each other in regional and global issues, which is extremely important in the current complex geopolitical situation in the world.
As you know, Pakistan has supported Baku's just position in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict since Azerbaijan's independence. A strong strategic partnership has been established between our countries, including successfully developing bilateral military cooperation. Pakistan has a huge military-industrial complex with the latest equipment and technology for the diversification and training of military personnel and is open to cooperation with Azerbaijan in this area. Let me also remind you that Pakistan is a nuclear power with powerful armed forces. The country also has extensive experience in conducting anti-terrorist operations, so expansion of cooperation between our countries in this area is also advisable.
As to the military-technical cooperation, Baku, as far as I know, was interested in the purchase of Pakistani fighters, and this is also an indicator of the positive dynamics in the military sphere. I think it is also appropriate to recall the military exercises "Three Brothers" with the participation of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, which took place on the initiative of Baku. These exercises confirmed the willingness of the sides to continue cooperation in the military sphere, which, in my opinion, will significantly strengthen security in the region.
- What do you think is the significance of the Türkiye-Pakistan-Azerbaijan format in the system of international relations?
- The Pakistan-Türkiye-Azerbaijan format is an informal and organic evolution of trilateral cooperation in many areas. This format is important given the changing geostrategic environment in the region, especially after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the start of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. It is obvious that Azerbaijan pursues a balanced and independent foreign policy aimed at maintaining a delicate balance in its relations with the West and Russia. In turn, Türkiye and Pakistan form a regional partnership with Azerbaijan, which unites the Turkic identity of Ankara and Baku.
Today, Azerbaijan is perceived in the region and the world as a strong player in international politics, also due to the support of Türkiye and Pakistan. At the same time, Baku in the current post-conflict period makes a significant contribution to the strengthening of the Turkic factor. In other words, all three countries are making serious efforts to strengthen unity.
- Your opinion on the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations? Why does Armenia torpedo this process?
- The torpedoing of Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations is linked to the depressed psychological state of the Armenian society after the well-known results of the 44-day war in Karabakh, and the unwillingness of the Armenian authorities to conduct a dialogue, while Baku stands for the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the region.
- Will the sides be able to sign a peace agreement in the foreseeable future?
- I think there is such a chance. Most likely, a peace agreement will be signed between Baku and Yerevan. To a large extent, this may be due to the difficult economic situation in Armenia. A peace agreement with Azerbaijan may positively influence the socio-economic situation in that country. That is, peace with Baku is economically beneficial for Yerevan.
- In what areas do you think Pakistani-Turkish cooperation has increased after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan?
- The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan had a major impact on Pakistan-Türkiye relations in the defence sphere. The US was a major power in the region in combating terrorist threats through the use of modern intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technology. After the US withdrawal, a gap was made in counterterrorism operations in the region, especially along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistan has identified the need for aerial reconnaissance with combat drones, a new aerospace technology heavily used in the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Pakistan and Türkiye are now researching combat drones and are planning joint production of the Anka Combat UAV. Pakistan and Türkiye are in the initial stages of producing a fifth-generation fighter as well. All these details clearly confirm the intensification of cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan against the background of the withdrawal of US troops.
- To what extent can cooperation between Ankara and Islamabad change the balance of power in the Middle East?
- The recent visit of the Turkish president to Iran, where a trilateral Russia-Türkiye-Iran summit was held, to a certain extent increased the probability of changing the balance of power in the Middle East. However, since Pakistan is an ally of Türkiye and a partner of Iran and Russia in pursuing a balanced policy, the change in the balance of power in the region is unlikely.
- Pakistan has expressed a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine crisis. What is your personal view on this?
- Pakistan has rejected US requests to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and is in favor of a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian crisis.
Supporting or opposing any conflict in the world is seen as participating in a war. Pakistan does not want to become part of any conflict. We have already suffered great human and financial losses in the American-led war on terrorism in Afghanistan, which has radicalized Pakistani society.
Caliber.Az
1
|
Armenia returns four villages to Azerbaijan, paving the way for peace in the South Caucasus Landmark accord
23 April 2024 - 09:14
|
2
|
Mark Rutte seeks Türkiye's backing for new job A new pair of hands
24 April 2024 - 16:55
|
3
|
Armenian PM's Moscow visit sparks speculation on bilateral relations Dilemma between East, West
23 April 2024 - 11:19
|
4
|
Bilateral relations, regional dynamics, & peacekeepers’ withdrawal Key takeaways from President Aliyev's Moscow visit
24 April 2024 - 14:07
|
5
|
Air France plane safely evacuated at Heydar Aliyev Int’l Airport
24 April 2024 - 19:08
|
Zakharova slams Armenian media for distorting Russian leadership’s statements on Baku-Yerevan ties
25 April 2024 - 14:44
Baku, Budapest cement economic ties, sign protocol
25 April 2024 - 14:27
Yerevan ready to discuss gas purchase with Baku – Armenian Speaker
UPDATED25 April 2024 - 14:15
Azerbaijan set to take bold steps vis-à-vis climate change - minister
25 April 2024 - 14:09
Official: Hamas would lay down its weapons if two-state solution implemented
25 April 2024 - 13:54
Türkiye captures nearly 3,000 Islamic State suspects in 10 months
VIDEO25 April 2024 - 13:40
Blinken tours China to promote some ties
25 April 2024 - 13:26
Azerbaijani presidential aide showcases Fuzuli's rebirth in stirring social media video
25 April 2024 - 13:15
Media: China harbours ship tied to North Korea-Russia arms transfers
25 April 2024 - 13:11
Western Azerbaijan Community condemns US human rights report as discriminatory
25 April 2024 - 12:58
Israeli Air Force strikes dozens of targets in Gaza
VIDEO25 April 2024 - 12:43
Hungary prepares to participate in Karabakh's reconstruction
25 April 2024 - 12:29
Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan appoints new prime minister
25 April 2024 - 12:15
Political analyst: Good relations with Türkiye to be favourable for Armenia
25 April 2024 - 12:13
Iran re-evaluating its ties with Azerbaijan, Armenia
Baku - more important, honest partner than Yerevan25 April 2024 - 12:00
Balancing Turkmenistan – Afghanistan relations
Deviated approach25 April 2024 - 11:48
CENTCOM: US repells Houthi attacks on ships
25 April 2024 - 11:44
France proposes new EU sanctions to fight Russian disinformation
25 April 2024 - 11:31
Minister: Cooperation with Azerbaijan contributes to Hungary's energy security
25 April 2024 - 11:20
EU's proposed Russia sanctions to target oil tankers, ships carrying N. Korean equipment
25 April 2024 - 11:16
Azerbaijani Army conducts command-staff exercises to maintain combat readiness
PHOTO/VIDEO25 April 2024 - 11:10
Armenian politician slams recent burning of Azerbaijani, Turkish flags in Yerevan
Calling the action belligerent pity25 April 2024 - 11:04
Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan business priorities: Advancing trade, energy, transport initiatives
Review by Caliber.Az25 April 2024 - 10:51
Media: US sends long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine
25 April 2024 - 10:38
Georgia's pre-election turmoil
How the Law on Foreign Agents shapes voter sentiment?25 April 2024 - 10:27
India stands for closer cooperation in fight against terrorism at BRICS meeting
25 April 2024 - 10:25
Iranian president urges international courts to punish Israel for Gaza Strip operation
25 April 2024 - 10:09
Azerbaijan submits report on Convention Against Torture to UN
25 April 2024 - 09:55
Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan sign Memorandum on Cooperation in religious sphere
25 April 2024 - 09:43
US welcomes start of Azerbaijan-Armenia border delimitation process
25 April 2024 - 09:21
PM vows to boost UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030
25 April 2024 - 09:07
Azerbaijani, Turkish communities hold rally against fictitious Armenian genocide in Washington
PHOTO25 April 2024 - 09:00
EU’s 2050 net zero goals at risk as electric vehicle rollout faces setbacks
25 April 2024 - 07:03
World’s largest wealth fund issues inflation warning on hot commodity markets
real wildcard25 April 2024 - 05:04
How US F-16 fighter jets stack up to Su-35s sent to Iran?
25 April 2024 - 03:05
Belgian brewer whose body produces its own alcohol cleared of drink driving
25 April 2024 - 01:03
Milan becomes latest European hotspot to battle overtourism
No ice cream and pizza after midnight24 April 2024 - 23:00
Germany's position on Taurus remains unchanged
24 April 2024 - 20:59
German business activity increasing in April
24 April 2024 - 20:48
Baku to host space technology conf for Central Asian region
24 April 2024 - 20:45