Pakistan, Azerbaijan discuss $2bn investment, strengthening ties

February 24, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their strategic partnership as Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, during his official visit to Baku, noted with deep appreciation President Ilham Aliyev’s declaration of $2 billion Azerbaijan’s investment in Pakistan during his July 2024 visit to Pakistan and discussed potential projects that are ready for investment.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his willingness to visit Pakistan in April to formalize these agreements.

The visit, undertaken at the invitation of the President of Azerbaijan, underscores the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

Upon arrival at the Zugulba Palace, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by President Ilham Aliyev, where a smartly turned-out contingent of Azerbaijan armed forces presented a guard of honour to the Prime Minister.

Both leaders held a tête-à-tête meeting and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, according to the press release issued today.

They reaffirmed the strategic partnership and expressed satisfaction with joint efforts to enhance their close and fraternal ties.

This was followed by delegation-level talks attended by key ministers and senior officials from both sides.

Both sides expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation across the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment.

They agreed on further enhancing bilateral trade and exploring joint investment projects in energy, infrastructure, and connectivity, acknowledging that the current trade volume does not reflect the true potential of their excellent political ties.

The two leaders also expressed satisfaction with the active cooperation between their countries at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Azerbaijan’s continued principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir issue and its support for the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people as per relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal support to Azerbaijan on Karabakh and noted with satisfaction that under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan has liberated Karabakh, a rightful Azerbaijani territory endorsed by multiple UNSC resolutions and international law.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev witnessed the exchange ceremony of agreements and MoUs aimed at bolstering cooperation in various sectors.

The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, and Minister for Investment & Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan.

It also comprised Minister for Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.

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