Mazhar Karim Dad
The main point in the foreign policy of any country is the politics of interests. These interests can be economic, military or of any nature. Foreign policy is not permanent but keeps changing as a result of circumstances and events and changes happening in the world.
It is difficult for countries with weak economy and political instability to form an independent foreign policy, but a successful country is the one that protects its interests and does not spoil relations with any country even in difficult times. The member countries of Economic Cooperation Organization include Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The headquarters of the organization is in Tehran.
This organization was established in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, then in 1992, 7 countries of Central Asia were given membership in the organization. Although the Economic Cooperation Organization has not fully achieved its goals, it is sure moving towards the accomplishment of its goals. At the organization’s head-to-head conference in Islamabad, the goals of doubling the trade between member countries in the next 5 years under Western 2025 were set.
The organization can play an important role in the development and prosperity of the region. The current conference will consider the steps taken so far and their results Routes will be discussed while measures will be taken to expedite the movement of people and goods between member countries. The member countries should try to end the economic sanctions on Iran and establish peace in Afghanistan. Addressing a press conference before leaving for Tashkent, Prime Minister Anwar Haq said that after the formation of the Afghan government, terrorism in Pakistan increased by 60 percent. Afghanistan did not take any steps.
We have concrete evidence in this regard. He described the statements of Afghan leaders as deplorable. The Prime Minister will present Pakistan’s position on ECO Vision 2025 in the conference. On this occasion, he will hold important meetings with the leaders of Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, in addition to the business community of Uzbekistan. Pakistan and Azerbaijan also have excellent relations. Both countries are strategic partners. Military relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are increasing. Azerbaijan is interested in buying JF Thunder 17 fighter jets from Pakistan and progress is also being made in this regard. Both countries are working to continuously increase trade and cooperation. Pakistan fully supported the position of Azerbaijan in the war with Armenia.
Relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are also growing in religious and cultural fields. Pakistan recognized Azerbaijan on December 12, 1991 after its independence from the Soviet Union. Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has congratulated the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, the Government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan on the Victory Day of Azerbaijan and said that it was a historic day when Azerbaijan, which was under occupation for 30 years, became independent.
The Minister of Information said that the dynamic leadership of President Ilham Aliyev transformed the Republic of Azerbaijan into a regional center and economic power. Azerbaijan has left no stone unturned to develop these recently liberated areas, Azerbaijan has built air bases and modern infrastructure in its liberated areas. Azerbaijan’s progress is due to the visionary initiatives taken by its far-sighted leadership, which has led the country on a journey of development, and there are many lessons for Pakistan to learn from this chapter.
The caretaker government seems willing to work in this regard and there are numerous opportunities for improvement in the relationship with Central Asian Countries.
