Pakistan, Azerbaijan discuss deepening defence ties

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza met with Azerbaijan’s President and senior civil and military leadership on Wednesday to discuss enhancing defence ties and the evolving regional dynamics, according to the army's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have maintained cordial diplomatic relations since 1992, with a history of cooperation in trade, defense, and energy sectors.

During President Ilham Aliyev’s two-day visit to Pakistan in July, both governments signed 15 agreements covering various fields, including transit trade, mineral resources, and tourism.

In their discussions, both sides expressed appreciation for the deep and historic relations between the two nations, addressing mutual interests such as regional security dynamics and the enhancement of existing defense ties.

General Mirza held meetings with key Azerbaijani officials, including President Aliyev, Defence Minister Col General Hasanov Zakir Asgar, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Aziz Oghlu Bayramov, Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of General Staff Col General Karim Tofig Oghlu Valiyev, and Defence Industry Minister Vugar Mustafayev.

Highlighting the significance of military cooperation, General Mirza reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region. Azerbaijani leadership commended the sacrifices and professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces, according to the ISPR.

The two countries have a history of military collaboration, including Pakistan's participation in an eight-day joint military drill with Azerbaijan and Turkey in 2021 as part of a tripartite military cooperation agreement.

Pakistan also supported Azerbaijan during the 44-day Second Karabakh War from September to November 2020, which saw Azerbaijan engage in conflict with Armenian forces until a Russia-brokered truce was reached.