Azerbaijan, Turkey appreciate Pakistan's efforts for peace in Afghanistan

• Gen Bajwa says emerging geo-strategic paradigm necessitates close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
• Army chief appreciates Turkey’s engagements with Pakistan.
• Gen Bajwa says Pakistan-Turkey cooperation will have positive impact on regional peace and stability.

Officials in Azerbaijan and Turkey on Wednesday appreciated Pakistan for its role in promoting peace in the region, especially the country’s efforts for bringing peace in Afghanistan.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Internal Affairs Colonel General Eyvazov Vilayat Suleyman oglu, the country’s Chief of State Border Service (SBS) Colonel General Elchin Guliyev and Chief of State Security Service Colonel General Ali Naghi Oglu Naghiyev at Baku, Azerbaijan today.

The military’s media wing said that the Azeri officials and the army chief discussed “matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence and security cooperation, regional peace and stability, and cooperation in energy, trade and connectivity projects”.

Read more: Gen Bajwa, Azerbaijan president discuss military cooperation, regional issues

“Emerging geo-strategic paradigm in the region necessitates our close cooperation and collective response against common challenges,” Gen Bajwa told the officials. He also called for an increase in the “mutually beneficial engagements at all levels and forums” between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

The ISPR said that the Azeri officials recognised the high standards of professionalism of the Pakistan Army. They also lauded the army for its “contributions for conflict prevention in the region especially efforts for bringing peace in Afghanistan”.

Gen Bajwa in Turkey

After his trip to Azerbaijan, Gen Bajwa landed in Turkey for a day-long visit and met senior officials of the country.

The army chief, during the visit, held a meeting with Turkey’s Defence Minister General (retd) Hulusi Akar. Turkey’s Commander General Staff General Yasar Guler and Commander of Land Forces General Umit Dundar attended the meeting.

As per the ISPR, the Turkish officials and the army chief discussed matters of mutual interests, the regional security situation including the recent developments in the Afghan peace process, and bilateral defence and security cooperation.

Read more: COAS, Turkish president discuss regional security, mutual interest affairs

The military’s media wing said that Gen Bajwa appreciated Turkey’s engagements with Pakistan, especially the ongoing efforts for peace in the region.

“Turkey is one of the key Muslim countries in the region and enhanced Pakistan-Turkey cooperation will have a positive impact on regional peace and stability,” Gen Bajwa told the Turkish officials.

The ISPR said that the Turkish officials appreciated Pakistan's positive role in regional peace and stability, especially the Afghan peace process. They also pledged to continue working on improving relations between the two countries.

Earlier on arrival, Gen Bajwa was also presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out military contingent.