Islamabad, January 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: Azerbaijan’s Minister for Defence Industry, Vugar Mustafayev, met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday to bolster bilateral relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and investment.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, particularly in key sectors like trade, energy, and defence. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to diversifying and deepening bilateral cooperation to benefit both nations. Minister Mustafayev conveyed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
The meeting coincided with the 8th Session of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Ministerial Commission, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Defence Production Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Minister Mustafayev. Held from January 23-24, 2025, in Islamabad, the session concluded with substantial progress in areas of mutual interest.
Key Agreements and Areas of Focus
- Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA):
Both nations agreed to implement the Azerbaijan-Pakistan PTA, signed in July 2024, and explore opportunities for joint ventures and investments to enhance economic ties. - Defence Industry Collaboration:
The two sides prioritized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint production and sale of defence hardware to boost defence cooperation. - Energy Infrastructure:
Discussions advanced on a strategic underground gas storage project, with Pakistan inviting Azerbaijan to participate in energy infrastructure initiatives, including the construction of a white oil pipeline. - Agriculture:
Commitments were made to collaborate on cotton and grain cultivation, seed development, and agricultural research. Both sides encouraged business-to-business exchanges in agricultural commodities. - Healthcare and Medical Research:
The two countries agreed to cooperate in advanced diagnostics, medical tourism, public health emergencies, and capacity-building, while exploring avenues for health-related research. - New Joint Working Groups:
Minister Mustafayev proposed establishing joint working groups to further strengthen cooperation in diverse sectors, a move expected to yield significant advancements.
The session concluded with plans for the 9th Joint Ministerial Commission to take place in Baku in 2027. Both sides underscored the importance of high-level exchanges, including visits by President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which have significantly enhanced bilateral ties across energy, defence, and trade sectors.
Minister Asif praised the productive discussions and expressed confidence that the growing partnership would lead to continued progress and prosperity for both nations.