ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday urged for greater cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in energy, defence and communication sectors for the mutual benefit of two friendly countries. He said the two countries should make coordinated efforts to increase the volume of bilateral trade. The president expressed these views in a meeting with Minister of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan, Yavar Jamalov, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and Charge d’affaires of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Chingiz Garibli were also present during the meeting. Mamnoon reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the United Nations resolution. He said that the current trade volume between the two countries was below potential and emphasised the need to enhance it through joint efforts. He expressed the hope that the 6th session of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) would be helpful in enhancing bilateral trade volume and further cementing economic relations between the two countries. He stated that there should be more connectivity between South Asia, Central Asia, Southwest Asia and China to achieve prosperity for the people of these regions. Reiterating Pakistan’s stance on terrorism, the president said operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists and extremists has been very successful and will continue till elimination of the last terrorist. The president asked Yavar Jamalov to convey his best wishes to President Ilham Aliyev, first lady and the people of Azerbaijan. Yavar Jamalov said that Azerbaijan was looking forward to expand its bilateral relations with Pakistan in diverse areas particularly in trade and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation between the two countries would touch new heights in future. Yavar Jamalov thanked Pakistan for consistently supporting Azerbaijan on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. He also conveyed heartiest greetings from President Ilham Aliyev for Pakistan.