During the meeting, the leaders discussed key aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade and economic collaboration, investment projects, joint defense production, and the development of transport corridors and infrastructure.
President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the need to increase trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, noting that its current volume amounts to only a few tens of millions of US dollars. In this regard, Azerbaijan expressed its willingness to invest up to $2 billion in Pakistan’s economy, with relevant projects already under evaluation. The parties set a goal to complete all discussions within a month and prepare documents for signing by early April. The planned investments are expected to cover sectors such as energy, mining, and infrastructure projects.
One of the key topics of the negotiations was cooperation in the defense sector. Azerbaijan has already purchased Pakistani defense equipment and is satisfied with its quality. The meeting included discussions on the prospects of joint military production, which would help expand the geographical reach of export supplies. Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation in defense and expressed readiness to deepen the partnership in this area.
The leaders also discussed the expansion of transport infrastructure and emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan’s participation in international transport corridors such as “North-South” and “East-West.” These projects not only contribute to economic development but also enhance political stability in the region. In this context, the potential of the Gwadar Port was highlighted as a crucial logistics hub for international trade.
Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, including the issue of Karabakh. In response, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for its firm stance and support in international organizations. The two sides also discussed the situation in Kashmir, underscoring the importance of implementing UN resolutions and respecting people’s right to self-determination.
As part of the visit, more than 10 bilateral agreements were signed, covering various areas of cooperation. The leaders expressed confidence that the agreements reached would elevate Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations to a new level and make a significant contribution to the economic development of both countries.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the warm reception and expressed hope for the continued strengthening of the fraternal ties between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
