Pakistan keen to enhance bilateral cooperation with Central Asian States

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan Monday said that Pakistan was keen to enhance bilateral cooperation with fellow Muslim countries, especially the Central Asian States.

Talking to a four member delegation of Azerbaijan, who called on him at his chamber in National Assembly, he said enhancing regional cooperation was corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan should be strengthened further.

He said that Pakistan had lot of potential in getting foreign investments and was seeking opportunities for export of technically trained personnel to Azerbaijan.

He said immense business opportunities were available for Azerbaijan in Pakistan, adding that Azerbaijan and Pakistan should have a business forum for bilateral trade.

Pakistan has become self sufficient in energy production, while it was the fourth largest producer of milk and dairy products.

He said Pakistan students are ready to go to Azerbaijan for pursuing higher studies. Higher Education Commission (HEC) selects Pakistani students to avail scholarships offered by Azerbaijan through a transparent mechanism.

Finance Minister of Azerbaijan Samir Shafifov said Azerbaijan was expanding infrastructure for promoting tourism and other sectors. Azerbaijan was planning to hold World Expo in Dubai, China and Japan. Pakistan play vital role in expanding bilateral trade between two countries.

Samir said Azerbaijan said Azerbaijan was offering educational scholarships to different Muslim countries and Pakistani students were also welcome to avail scholarships.