President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Zubair Mahmood Hayat.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Zubair Mahmood Hayat's visit to Azerbaijan to take part in a military parade marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The head of state described this as a manifestation of brotherhood and partnership between the two countries. Noting the two countries` mutual support to each other, President Ilham Aliyev praised the fact that Pakistan has never established any diplomatic relations with Armenia due to its occupation of the Azerbaijani territories. The President underlined that it reflects brotherhood between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Pakistan, and that the Azerbaijan people highly appreciate it. Pointing out the successful development of bilateral relations between the two countries in a variety of fields, President Ilham Aliyev recalled his meetings with Pakistani leaders. President Ilham Aliyev said that the two countries enjoy close political relations between, also emphasizing the successful development of cooperation in the field of defense. “Azerbaijan is interested in expanding its military cooperation with Pakistan and purchasing more military equipment from Pakistan. The joint military exercises conducted between our two countries also serve this purpose,” the head of state noted.

Zubair Mahmood Hayat thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the warm words and extended the best wishes of the Pakistani government, people and the Armed Forces to the head of state and Azerbaijani people. Saying he is pleased to attend the military parade marking the centenary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Zubair Mahmood Hayat stressed the significance of the event and extended his congratulations on this occasion. He said that the people of Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy close relations, which are based on historical and cultural roots.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views over the bilateral cooperation prospects.