Pakistan, Azerbaijan reaffirm strong ties

Pakistan and Azerbaijan on Tuesday reiterated commitment to deepening cooperation across areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, energy, and people-to-people contacts.

The development came as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, according to a statement by the PM Office Media Wing.

Both the leaders expressed satisfaction on positive trajectory of bilateral relations.

During their "most warm and cordial conversation", the two leaders exchanged greetings and reaffirmed the strong fraternal bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, the statement read.

The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to President Aliyev for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum to be held in Baku next week.

He expressed confidence that the forum, under Azerbaijan's stewardship, would serve as a valuable platform for advancing the global urban development agenda.

He noted that, most regrettably, pressing commitments would preclude his personal attendance at the event, but he had ensured that Pakistan would be well-represented at the forum.

They also discussed regional developments of common concern, particularly the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East.

President Aliyev expressed his deep appreciation at Pakistan's "remarkably successful initiatives" to bring about a ceasefire between Iran and the US. This was a clear reflection of the trust and confidence of the international community in Pakistan and its leadership, he said.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact, and looked forward to their meeting, in person, later this year.

The prime minister also reiterated his cordial invitation to President Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, at his earliest convenience.