Pakistan, Azerbaijan agree to expand naval defence ties

February 3, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to further expand and diversify their bilateral defence relationship, with a strong focus on naval cooperation.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.

During the meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening defence ties, particularly through enhanced naval collaboration, joint training initiatives, professional exchanges, and defence-related cooperation.

They also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, the regional maritime security environment, and prospects for expanding cooperation in defence and training.

Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov was briefed on ongoing projects of the Pakistan Navy, according to media reports.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan maintain longstanding brotherly relations, underpinned by close cooperation between their naval forces.

In recent years, defence ties between the two countries have intensified, including naval-to-naval engagements, showing growing strategic convergence.

High-level exchanges have played a key role in advancing collaboration across multiple areas of defence.

According to ISPR, the visit of the Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces is expected to further strengthen bilateral collaboration, particularly between the two navies.

The visit follows earlier engagements between the naval leadership of both countries, including Admiral Naveed Ashraf’s visit to Azerbaijan last year, during which both sides emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation through joint exercises and training exchanges.

Earlier, upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff.

A contingent of the Pakistan Navy presented a guard of honour, and the visiting commander paid homage to the fallen personnel of the Pakistan Navy by laying a floral wreath at the Shuhada’s Monument at Naval Headquarters.

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