Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 14
By Gulgiz Muradova - Trend:
Time has come for direct connectivity, direct flights between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, Saeed Khan Mohmand, the Pakistani Ambassador to Baku, said in an interview with Trend.
Mohmand said that Azerbaijan has been a "secret" tourism spot, which is opening up to the world now.
"This year we have seen a large number of people coming from Pakistan," the ambassador said.
"Around 20,000-25,000 Pakistanis have visited the country this year for tourism. I can say that every time in summer I went outside I saw a lot of Pakistani people. Even yesterday I had some friends come in, visiting Azerbaijan. So a big number of people from Pakistan came here," he said.
Explaining the reason for increase in the tourist flow, Mohmand said that last year a lot of people came to Azerbaijan because of the situation in Turkey, Egypt and most of Arab countries.
"Also, I think one of the most important aspects when you consider tourism between countries is connectivity. We have a large number of Pakistanis, who are living in Dubai, Middle East countries and because of connectivity, that is direct flights to Azerbaijan, these people are coming to your country. Pakistanis are using direct airlines for coming to Azerbaijan," the envoy noted.
Mohmand emphasized that connectivity between Pakistan and Azerbaijan would contribute to the tourist flow even further.
"Until June last year, there were direct flights between Islamabad and Baku through Turkish Airlines, but unfortunately due to certain financial issues it was closed. But I think the time has come for direct connectivity, we need to establish a direct flight. There is a good connectivity between people and definitely we need to promote this. So connectivity is of utmost importance," the envoy said, adding that this will also contribute to promotion of trade.
The Azerbaijan-Pakistan friendship covers various facets of the economic and political ties. Pakistan is one of the oldest and closest allies and strategic partners of Azerbaijan in Asia.
