Baku, February 24, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, held an expanded meeting with the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on February 24. The discussions, which followed a bilateral meeting between the two leaders, focused on strengthening the brotherly ties and enhancing economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
President Aliyev welcomed Prime Minister Sharif and his delegation to Azerbaijan, expressing his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him during his state visit to Pakistan last year. He highlighted the significance of the visit in reinforcing the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.
Addressing the meeting, President Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Pakistan. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s pledge to invest a minimum of $2 billion in various projects in Pakistan and noted that discussions regarding specific investment opportunities had already commenced. Both leaders set a target of one month for their respective teams to finalize investment agreements.
“Our relations are not only important for our peoples but also for the broader regions we represent. Azerbaijan and Pakistan continue to support each other in international institutions, upholding each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Our ambitious economic agenda, along with ongoing discussions during the Business Forum, will further solidify our partnership,” President Aliyev stated.
Following President Aliyev’s remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan. He praised Azerbaijan’s role in enhancing Islamabad’s urban development through horticultural expertise, highlighting the significant contributions made by Azerbaijani experts in beautifying Pakistan’s capital.
Prime Minister Sharif recalled the deep emotional connection between the peoples of Pakistan and Azerbaijan, underscoring that their friendship transcends political affiliations. He acknowledged Azerbaijan’s steadfast support for Pakistan and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
“I would have loved to visit Shusha tomorrow, but due to extreme weather conditions, I look forward to visiting this historic city during my next trip in July,” Prime Minister Sharif remarked.
During their one-on-one meeting earlier in the day, both leaders engaged in extensive discussions on various aspects of bilateral cooperation, setting the stage for enhanced economic, political, and cultural collaboration between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
The expanded meeting reflects the shared vision of both nations to elevate their partnership to new heights, ensuring mutual prosperity and stronger regional ties.
