POLITICS
Anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence in Pakistani spotlight
Pakistani Centreline jounral and “DNA” news agency have published an article titled “23rd anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Independence”.
The article says: “Azerbaijan celebrates Independence Day on October 18. Exactly 23 years ago, after the adoption of the Constitutional Act, Azerbaijan gained the long-awaited independence, having surmounted many challenges. History inevitably proves that preserving the independence is much more difficult than to gain it. Azerbaijan twice had the opportunity to become a sovereign state during the 20th century. Unfortunately, the first opportunity failed shortly thereafter because of outside interference, internal opposition and the general political instability.”
“Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first secular democratic state in the Islamic world, which was established in 1918, existed for only 23 months.
At the end of the 20th century the Azerbaijani people raised the banner of independence. It was the second brilliant triumph in the political history of the Azerbaijani people during the last century.”
“The Republic of Azerbaijan, which declared its independence, embarked on its existence in an extremely challenging historical situation. Soon after number of states have recognized the independence of Azerbaijan and Pakistan was one of the firsts amongst them.
Azerbaijan became a member of the United Nations on March 2, 1992 and the de jure recognition of Azerbaijan by the world community begins from that date.
Today, Azerbaijan, under the visionary leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and his successor President Ilham Aliyev, is witnessing a rapid and dynamic development that is comparable with developed countries of the world. Rich in hydrocarbon reserves, the country exports them to Europe consequently taking part in ensuring of its energy security. Having taken advantage of its geographical location, Azerbaijan became not only a main point for transportation of crude and gas to Turkey and Europe via diverse pipe-line net, but a transport corridor linking East with West as well. A country with ten million population has become a leading power in Transcaucasia and a main regional investor, financing multi-billion projects in different countries of the world. The economic growth of Azerbaijan goes accompanied by enormous construction boom, development of the industry, infrastructure, agriculture, sports, and tourism,” says the article.
“Azerbaijan carries on a balanced foreign policy, based on the interests of the country. Situated on the geographical border of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan is integrated in the political structures of both continents. Being a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, Azerbaijan plays an active role in the OIC, ECO. It is also a member of Non-Aligned Movement, and recently completed its tenure as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council.”
The article also hails relatiosn between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. “Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy close and cordial relations characterized by shared perception on major global and regional issues. The two countries signed a number of agreements to provide a framework for bilateral cooperation in all spheres including economy, trade, finance, information, culture and military fields. Both countries closely cooperate in international forum and support each other on their core issues.”