PM Shehbaz Sharif Set to Visit Azerbaijan to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to visit Azerbaijan from February 24 to 25, at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev, with the goal of further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The two-day state visit marks PM Shehbaz’s second trip to Azerbaijan since assuming office in March 2024, signaling the continued commitment of Pakistan to fostering closer ties with the Central Asian nation. The visit is expected to boost collaboration in multiple sectors, including energy, trade, defence, education, and climate change.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO), the prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes key officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other important Cabinet members. This visit underscores Pakistan’s desire to deepen engagement with Azerbaijan, which has been one of Pakistan’s key economic and strategic partners in the region.
During his visit, PM Shehbaz is set to engage in comprehensive talks with Azerbaijani leaders. These discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields of mutual interest, from energy and trade to defence and education. The two sides are also expected to explore avenues for greater collaboration on climate change, an area of growing importance in global relations. Additionally, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are anticipated to be signed, solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
The Foreign Office highlighted that the relationship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan is built on a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and longstanding cooperation. Both countries have worked together across numerous sectors, including energy, trade, and defence. Azerbaijan is viewed as an essential partner for Pakistan, and the ongoing diplomatic engagement reflects both countries’ commitment to further enhancing their ties.
As part of the visit, PM Shehbaz Sharif will also address a Business Forum, which is being held in collaboration with Azerbaijan’s Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO). The forum will provide a platform for discussions on strengthening economic ties and exploring new opportunities for trade and investment. This is seen as a significant opportunity for Pakistani businesses to forge new partnerships in Azerbaijan’s growing economy, particularly in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
A highlight of the trip will be PM Shehbaz’s visit to Fuzuli in the Karabakh region, accompanied by President Aliyev. This special tour of the liberated territories will allow the two leaders to witness firsthand the rebuilding efforts in the region and further underscore the close relationship between the two nations. The visit to Karabakh is a symbolic gesture, reflecting solidarity between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, especially as Azerbaijan continues to recover and rebuild after the conflict.
This visit also reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to fostering greater economic collaboration with Azerbaijan and exploring new opportunities for shared development. By enhancing diplomatic and economic ties, Pakistan aims to tap into Azerbaijan’s strategic position in the region and build long-term partnerships that will benefit both countries.
With a focus on creating sustainable economic growth, addressing global challenges like climate change, and expanding trade relations, PM Shehbaz’s visit to Azerbaijan represents a significant step forward in Pakistan’s foreign policy. The bilateral discussions are poised to unlock new avenues for cooperation, ensuring a prosperous future for both nations.