Baku: Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, made press statements, APA reports. The leaders emphasized the significance of their countries’ strategic partnership and discussed plans for enhanced cooperation in various sectors.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, underscoring the importance of their mutual support on international platforms. He expressed satisfaction with the current partnership levels and acknowledged the necessity to increase bilateral trade, which currently stands at several tens of millions of U.S. dollars. Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to investing up to two billion U.S. dollars in Pakistan’s economy, a promise he made during his state visit to Pakistan last year. Concrete projects have been submitted by Pakistan, and Azerbaijani representatives are in the process of evaluating them.
President Aliyev and Prime Minister Sharif have set an ambitious target to finalize discussions and prepare documents for signing by the beginning of April. The projects under consideration include infrastructure development, energy, and mining. The leaders also discussed cooperation in defense, with Azerbaijan already acquiring defense equipment from Pakistan and exploring opportunities for joint manufacturing of defense items. Connectivity and transportation were also key topics, with Azerbaijan’s plans to enhance its transportation infrastructure being a focal point.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Azerbaijani government and highlighted the productive nature of the discussions. He acknowledged Azerbaijan’s intention to invest two billion U.S. dollars in Pakistan as a significant step in strengthening their trade and investment relations. Sharif assured that all political parties in Pakistan support the friendship with Azerbaijan and emphasized the importance of translating this political understanding into economic gains.
Sharif also praised Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and expressed hope for the realization of resolutions passed by the United Nations regarding the issue. He called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated support for a two-state solution for Palestine. The Prime Minister highlighted the extension of the LNG framework agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR as a testament to their growing economic ties.
Both leaders agreed on the necessity of elevating their strategic defense relations and expressed intent to explore joint defense production capabilities. They acknowledged the potential of the Gwadar Port as a critical hub for regional imports and exports, aligning with Azerbaijan’s vision for an international infrastructure corridor that promises transformative economic impact.
President Aliyev and Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed their commitment to furthering peace, progress, and prosperity in their respective regions and globally. The leaders look forward to continuing their collaboration with an anticipated signing ceremony in Islamabad in April, aimed at solidifying their brotherly relations and ensuring mutual benefits for both nations.