Pakistan turns to Azerbaijan for LNG

Azerbaijan will start sending cargo containers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan from next month, another major achievement for Pakistan towards fulfilling its energy needs after importing the Russia crude oil.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

“Every month, one cargo [of LNG] on concessional rates will reach Pakistan [from Azerbaijan],” it added. “The two leaders agreed that Azerbaijan would help Pakistan fulfil its energy needs through cooperation in the fields of oil and gas.”

The Prime Minister’s Office further said that the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) would collaborate at the government-to-government level to work out the energy resources.

The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in defence, agriculture, trade and transport. Azerbaijan would invest in the alternative energy sector of Pakistan, including the solar power generation, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

On the import of Pakistani rice to Azerbaijan, both the countries agreed on formulating a comprehensive mechanism on the exemption of duty. It was also agreed that the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) would operate two weekly flights to Islamabad and Karachi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in the Azeri capital of Baku on Wednesday night on two-day official visit. After their meeting, the Shehbaz and President Aliyev Aliyev informed the media about the decisions taken during the bilateral talks at a joint news stakeout.

They said that they agreed to introduce AZAL flights between the two capitals, enhance number of joint military exercises, besides exploring the avenues of cooperation in the areas of energy, investment and education.

“Pakistan welcomes the Azerbaijan airline to start its operations to Islamabad,” the prime minister said, as he invited the Azeri aviation minister to visit Pakistan and also work out plans for the Baku-Karachi flights with a view to promoting tourism.

The prime minister thanked Azerbaijan for being a staunch supporter of the Kashmir cause and highlighted the Indian acts of terror and atrocities in the occupied Valley, including the violations of UN resolutions.

He said that Pakistan was committed to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and appreciated the bravery of Azeri forces. He said Pakistan did not recognise Armenia and always stood by Azerbaijan, considering it a duty.

At the joint media stakeout, Prime Minister Shehbaz spoke highly of the leadership of President Aliyev to build the city's infrastructure and impressive horticulture. Shehbaz, also visited the mausoleum of Azerbaijan first president Haider Aliyev and the martyrs monument.