POLITICS
Pakistani President: We do not recognize Armenia as a state
Baku, March 12, AZERTAC
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain has said his country does not consider Armenia a state.
“We have always backed Azerbaijan`s fair position on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Pakistan does not recognize Armenia as a state,” he told chairman of Azerbaijan`s parliament Ogtay Asadov on the second day of his official visit to Baku.
“The Upper House of Pakistan`s parliament, Senate, recognized what happened in Khojaly as genocide.”
President Hussain hailed Azerbaijan`s providing assistance to Pakistan.
He also noted the importance of reciprocal visits by the two countries` business communities, saying “this will contribute to developing our ties even further”.
Parliament Speaker Asadov described Azerbaijan and Pakistan as “friendly and brotherly countries”. “We enjoy excellent relations. This visit will elevate our bilateral ties to a qualitatively new level. The people of Azerbaijan and Pakistan share common values, religion.”
Mr Asadov said: “Pakistan is one of the first countries that recognized Azerbaijan`s independence. Azerbaijan and Pakistan have maintained diplomatic relations for 24 years.”
He hailed Pakistan`s backing official Baku`s position in international organizations, particularly related to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. “Official Islamabad has not built any relations with Yerevan because of Armenia`s occupying Azerbaijani lands.” “And this is a sign of a friendly, brotherly attitude,” Mr Asadov added.