Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a significant meeting with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan on Friday at the Presidential Palace in Baku, a move set to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations. The high-level talks were notably attended by Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, underscoring the importance of the dialogue.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to President Aliyev for the invitation to attend Azerbaijan's Victory Day celebrations. This national holiday commemorates Azerbaijan's historic triumph in the 44-day Karabakh Liberation War against Armenia. The Prime Minister extended warm congratulations to the government and people of Azerbaijan, describing the nation's victory as a "beacon of hope for all oppressed peoples striving for self-determination", explicitly mentioning the struggles in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
The leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations. They reached a consensus to enhance multi-dimensional cooperation, with a specific focus on several key areas:
- Trade and Investment
- Energy Security
- Connectivity Projects
- Defense Collaboration
Acknowledging Regional Leadership and Future Engagements
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded President Aliyev's leadership, particularly acknowledging the progress in the South Caucasus and his signing of a landmark peace agreement with Armenia earlier this year. In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Prime Minister extended a formal invitation for President Aliyev to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, which the Azerbaijani leader graciously accepted.
In response, President Ilham Aliyev thanked Pakistan for its unwavering support during Azerbaijan's struggle to liberate the Karabakh region. He also commended Pakistan's constructive role in fostering regional peace and stability in South Asia, highlighting the mutual respect between the two nations.
Prime Minister's Arrival and Delegation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Baku to attend the Victory Day ceremony at the official invitation of President Ilham Aliyev. He was received at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport by First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Yagub Eyyubov, and other senior officials, including Pakistan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Qasim Mohiuddin. The Pakistani delegation also included Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ataullah Tarar.
This high-level visit and the subsequent agreements mark a new chapter in Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, promising enhanced cooperation and a stronger strategic partnership for the future.
