Baku, Azerbaijan – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held extensive talks in Baku on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in trade, energy, and defense cooperation. The high-level meeting marked a significant step in enhancing economic and strategic partnerships between the two nations.
Expanding Trade and Energy Cooperation
During the meeting at the Presidential Palace, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several key agreements aimed at fostering economic collaboration. One of the most notable developments was Azerbaijan’s commitment to investing $2 billion in Pakistan, a move that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed as a “significant step towards enhanced economic cooperation.”
Among the agreements signed were:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR) and Pakistan Refinery Limited, signaling deeper collaboration in the energy sector. Another MoU between SOCAR and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to explore further energy and infrastructure projects. An amendment to the Framework Agreement for the purchase and sale of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), strengthening Pakistan’s energy security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed these agreements, stating, “I look forward to signing further agreements in Islamabad in April. These steps will unlock new economic opportunities for both nations.”
Investment and Urban Development Cooperation
Shehbaz Sharif lauded Azerbaijan’s remarkable urban development and expressed aspirations to develop Islamabad along similar lines. “Baku is a beautiful and well-planned city. With Azerbaijan’s cooperation, we will work towards making Islamabad a modern metropolis,” he remarked.
Azerbaijan’s investment in infrastructure, energy, and technology is expected to create new avenues for economic collaboration and job creation in Pakistan.
Boosting Defense Ties
President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the growing defense collaboration between the two countries. “We deeply appreciate Pakistan’s advanced defense industry and are satisfied with the defense products we have procured,” he stated.
Both nations expressed a shared interest in joint defense production and military cooperation, further strengthening strategic ties.
Regional and Global Concerns
The leaders also discussed key regional and international issues, emphasizing their mutual support on geopolitical matters:
Kashmir & Karabakh – Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked Azerbaijan for its unwavering support on the Kashmir issue, while reiterating Pakistan’s backing for Azerbaijan’s stance on the Karabakh conflict. Palestine & Gaza Crisis – Shehbaz Sharif called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging the global community to push for a two-state solution to ensure peace in the region. “The entire world agrees that the dream of a Palestinian state must be realized,” he stated.
A Strong and Enduring Partnership
President Aliyev emphasized the importance of frequent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. “I visited Pakistan last year, and Prime Minister Shehbaz has now visited Azerbaijan twice. These visits demonstrate the strength of our relationship,” he said.
The agreements signed during this visit are expected to boost economic, defense, and energy cooperation, solidifying Pakistan and Azerbaijan’s strategic partnership.
Conclusion
With growing economic investments, defense collaboration, and geopolitical alignment, Pakistan and Azerbaijan are set to foster deeper ties in the years ahead. The commitment to working together across multiple sectors signals a new era of cooperation between the two nations.
