Pakistan, Azerbaijan reaffirm commitment to strategic partnership

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed their shared commitment to diversifying the strategic partnership through investment in mutually beneficial avenues.

Premier Sharif and President Aliyev held a pivotal bilateral meeting in Lachin on Tuesday. The discussions aimed at further strengthening the long-standing relations between the two nations, touching on key issues of political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the full range of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the growing political, economic, defence, and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

Prime minister and Azerbaijan President reiterated their commitment to expanding the strategic partnership by focusing on investments that will benefit both nations.

Both leaders also agreed on the importance of coordinated efforts to promote regional stability, mutual prosperity, and principled positions on international issues.

Azerbaijan agreed to initiate high-level delegations to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan, with talks expected to take place soon.

During the discussions, PM thanked Azerbaijan for its unwavering support during the recent escalation between Pakistan and India. He appreciated the solidarity shown by both the leadership and the people of Azerbaijan, particularly celebrating Pakistan's success in the Marka-e-Haq conflict with India.

Premier reflected on the significance of holding the meeting in Lachin, a city symbolising Azerbaijan’s resilience and recovery, calling it an emotionally resonant location for both sides.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations and working together to achieve shared objectives at both the bilateral and regional levels.

The meeting occurred on the eve of the trilateral talks between Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, scheduled to coincide with Azerbaijan’s Independence Day.

PM extended warm congratulations to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on their Independence Day, adding a symbolic significance to the gathering.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Ullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present during the meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Lachin, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday to attend the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit.

He was received at Lachin Airport by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin, and other diplomatic officials, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Pakistani delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

Earlier this month, amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India, Azerbaijan expressed support for Pakistan and solidarity with its government and people.

Read More: Azerbaijan backs Pakistan amid tensions with India

The Azerbaijani government condemned actions by the Indian military in a formal letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister.

The message, delivered by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, included condolences for those affected by the conflict and wishes for the injured’s recovery. Azerbaijan also urged both sides to seek a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a six-day diplomatic tour of four countries, as Pakistan seeks to bolster regional partnerships following recent tensions with India.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz reached Tehran , where he held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the historic Sa'dabad Palace. He also met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei.

Following their talks, the prime minister and President Pezeshkian addressed a joint media appearance. During the briefing, Shehbaz thanked Iran for its support during recent tensions between Pakistan and India.

Read More: PM backs Iran's right to peaceful N-programme

He reiterated Pakistan’s backing of Iran’s right to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme, stating: “We stand with our Iranian brothers and fully support Iran’s right to a civilian nuclear programme.”

The prime minister has completed visits to Turkiye and Iran, and will conclude his regional tour in Tajikistan, where he is scheduled to attend the International Conference on Glaciers on May 29–30.