Baku: On May 17, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of the Punjab Province of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Maryam Nawaz Sharif conveyed greetings from her father, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to President Aliyev. The President expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to the leaders of Pakistan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the meeting highlighted the historical ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. President Aliyev recalled the friendly relations between National Leader Heydar Aliyev and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her satisfaction with participating in the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum in Baku, praising the event’s organization and the discussions on vital global urban planning issues.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif was impressed by Baku’s beauty, describing it as a model of harmony between culture and modern urban planning. She also visited the grave of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, honoring his memory with respect.

During the meeting, both sides commended the development of fraternal relations and strategic partnerships between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Discussions included cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic, and defense sectors. The importance of interregional cooperation and the potential for expanding trade ties were also emphasized. It was noted that centers based on Azerbaijan’s ‘ASAN Khidmet’ model have been established in Pakistan.

President Aliyev highlighted that Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations are advancing within a trilateral framework involving Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Pakistan.