Islamabad, January 14, 2025 – The Europe Today: Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, highlighted the deepening relationship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, revealing that over 80,000 Pakistani citizens visited Azerbaijan in the past year, showcasing the growing people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Farhadov emphasized Azerbaijan’s strategic role as an international transport corridor linking Asia and Europe. He noted the convenience of direct flights operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) connecting Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi to Azerbaijan, further facilitating travel and trade.
The Ambassador announced plans to establish the Azerbaijan Trade Center in Lahore and the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce. These initiatives aim to bolster bilateral business ties, fostering collaboration between the two countries’ private sectors.
Ambassador Farhadov underlined Azerbaijan’s respect and affection for Pakistan, reflecting in measures such as granting duty-free access to Pakistani rice until 2027. He encouraged traders, particularly from Punjab, to capitalize on this opportunity given the province’s renowned high-quality Basmati rice.
He also highlighted the tripling of bilateral trade volume since 2022, signaling significant progress in economic relations. Referring to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Pakistan in July 2024, Ambassador Farhadov reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to implementing the $2 billion investment package pledged during the visit.
These initiatives and achievements underscore Azerbaijan’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan, with a focus on trade, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation.
