Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties, with a focus on trade, defence, and infrastructure development. During a joint press conference, both leaders highlighted their plans to increase trade turnover and boost cooperation in various sectors, including defence, transportation, and energy.
The Azerbaijan president announced a $2 billion investment in Pakistan, which both sides agreed would be finalized by April 2025. This landmark investment marks a significant leap in the economic relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the collaboration, calling it a “quantum jump” in trade and investment relations, while President Aliyev acknowledged that bilateral trade figures remain modest but expressed confidence in the potential for growth.
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President Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan is already satisfied with defence equipment acquired from Pakistan and hinted at potential joint manufacturing in the defence sector. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts through improved transportation links, predicting an increase in interactions between the two countries.
The leaders also touched on geopolitical issues, with President Aliyev expressing continued support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Prime Minister Shehbaz reciprocated by thanking Azerbaijan for its solidarity and urging for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
In a symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Azerbaijan’s Victory Monument, paying tribute to the heroes and martyrs of the 44-day war that restored Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan.
