Pakistan, Azerbaijan need to boost academic, cultural ties

Former defence minister says they are planning bilateral military exercises

ISLAMABAD:

There is a need to enhance bilateral education and cultural ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

This was stated by former federal defence minister Lt Gen (retired) Naeem Lodhi on Friday while delivering a guest lecture on the “Contemporary Dynamics of Azerbaijan”. The lecture was held as part of an online internship programme organised by the Centre for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS) and the Azerbaijan Embassy.

Now in its fourth week, the theme for the week was the armed forces of Azerbaijan with defence and military cooperation with Pakistan.

CGSS Programme Director Mehreen Gul highlighted the importance of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Lt Gen Lodhi gave a brief overview of the military and conflicts. He further explained the role played by the armed forces during national calamities and disasters such as floods and earthquakes. More recently, it has meant support in tackling the locust attacks and the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

On the international front, Lt Gen Lodhi said that the military frequently participates in events, competitions and courses.

Lt Gen Lodhi reiterated that Pakistan stands with Azerbaijan on the Armenia issue just as Azerbaijan has always stood with Islamabad over the Kashmir issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2020.