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Pakistan, Azerbaijan Strengthen Cooperation in Key Sectors During Islamabad Meeting

Islamabad, January 24, 2025 – The Europe Today: Pakistan and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties in areas of trade, energy, air connectivity, and cultural exchanges during a meeting between Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry, Vugar Mustafayev, who visited Islamabad on Thursday. The Minister, accompanied by a high-level delegation, called on President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House).

During the meeting, President Zardari welcomed the Azerbaijani Minister and underscored the historic and enduring relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. He emphasized the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts, tourism links, and expanding trade and business relations to foster regional economic cooperation. The President also stressed the need to strengthen cultural linkages between the two nations to further boost bilateral ties.

Highlighting the operationalization of direct flights between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, the President expressed optimism that this development would facilitate greater connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. In 2024, more than 72,000 Pakistanis visited Azerbaijan for business and tourism purposes, marking a 25% increase compared to the previous year’s total of 55,000 travellers.

Minister Mustafayev praised the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, reiterating Azerbaijan’s interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the fields of energy, business, and culture. He acknowledged Pakistan’s unwavering political support to Azerbaijan, which, he noted, would be forever remembered by the people of Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani Minister extended his gratitude to President Zardari for the warm reception and conveyed the best wishes of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the President’s health and the continued prosperity of Pakistan.

This meeting underscored the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen their bilateral relations and work collaboratively on initiatives that will benefit their citizens and the broader region.