Pakistan-Azerbaijan Economic and Defence Cooperation

Abstract

Azerbaijan and Pakistan have a very unique political relationship that has surpassed territorial boundaries and geographical distance. It offers opportunities for cooperation in many areas, especially in the economic and defence sectors. Diplomatic relations, established since Azerbaijan‟s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, have allowed these two countries to start developing cooperation very rapidly. Pakistan was the second country to recognise Azerbaijan‟s independence, and has not established diplomatic relations with Armenia.1 Both countries have supported each other diplomatically on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Kashmir dispute at all international forums. This article is an attempt to identify the prospects and potential of strengthening economic and security ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. It also tries to explore the reasons behind the low volume of trade between the two countries, and makes concrete recommendations on how this trade volume can be increased.