Expert: Launching new flight routes to strengthen Azerbaijan-Pakistan co-op

“The launch of direct flights between Azerbaijan and Pakistan provided an excellent opportunity for these countries to strengthen ties in tourism and other areas,” the Executive Director of the Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS, Pakistan) Khalid Taimur Akram told Report, commenting on the first Lahore-Baku flight.

“The launch of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) direct flights will give new impetus to the development of bilateral relations to enhance people-to-people contacts. I believe these steps are vital to improve development in other sectors,” he said, noting that both governments are looking to implement more joint projects.

According to him, regional integration and economic ties have become key factors determining the developing trends and patterns of international relations.

“Thus, the promotion of such activities will benefit both countries. Moreover, these direct flights are also expected to bring many benefits to Azerbaijan and Pakistan.”

Taimur Akram noted that the two countries have fraternal relations: “Azerbaijan and Pakistan have always firmly supported each other on all international platforms.”

From this week, Pakistan International Airlines start operating flights to Baku from two Pakistani cities - Karachi and Lahore. The national air carrier of Azerbaijan also plans to launch flights from Baku to Lahore.