President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan arrived in Islamabad on Thursday for a two-day official visit, following an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This visit, spanning from July 11 to 12, marks a significant step in bolstering bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
President Aliyev’s special aircraft touched down at Nur Khan Airbase, where he was greeted by PM Shehbaz Sharif along with key cabinet members, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The ceremonial welcome included a 21-gun salute, and two children dressed in traditional attire presented bouquets to the visiting dignitary, symbolising the warmth and hospitality of Pakistan.
During his stay, President Aliyev is scheduled to hold crucial meetings with both Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari. The agenda includes wide-ranging discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest. The visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
This visit follows a significant diplomatic exchange in May when Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov visited Pakistan. During that visit, delegation-level talks were held with Pakistani officials, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who emphasised efforts to boost bilateral investment, particularly in the energy sector. Dar, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, reiterated Pakistan’s full support for Azerbaijan during its presidency of the COP29 climate summit.
In a joint press conference held during the May visit, the foreign ministers of both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral strategic relations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his meeting with Foreign Minister Bayramov, underscored the importance of deepening mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Bayramov met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship.
President Aliyev’s visit is seen as a continuation of the positive momentum generated by these earlier exchanges, aiming to enhance collaboration in sectors such as energy, climate change, and defense. The discussions and agreements expected to emerge from this visit are poised to further cement the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, fostering greater economic and political cooperation.
