Prime Minister Sharif Thanks President Aliyev for Steadfast Support During Pakistan-India Conflict
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev reiterated their dedication to broadening their strategic partnership by exploring investment opportunities that benefit both countries.
The two leaders met for a significant bilateral discussion in Lachin on Tuesday, focusing on strengthening their longstanding political, economic, and cultural ties.
During the meeting, Sharif and Aliyev reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing growth in political, economic, defense, and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the strategic partnership, with an emphasis on mutually advantageous investments.
They also highlighted the importance of joint efforts to foster regional stability, shared prosperity, and principled stances on global issues.
Azerbaijan agreed to send high-level delegations soon to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its unwavering support amid recent tensions between Pakistan and India. He praised the solidarity shown by both the Azerbaijani leadership and people, especially celebrating Pakistan’s success in the Marka-e-Haq conflict.
Sharif also remarked on the significance of holding the meeting in Lachin, describing it as a powerful symbol of Azerbaijan’s resilience and recovery, making it an emotionally meaningful venue for both nations.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to further strengthen Pakistan-Azerbaijan ties and collaborate to achieve common goals at bilateral and regional levels.
This discussion took place just before the upcoming trilateral talks involving Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, scheduled to coincide with Azerbaijan’s Independence Day celebrations.
The Prime Minister extended warm congratulations to President Aliyev and the Azerbaijani people on their Independence Day, adding a special significance to the gathering.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Ullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Lachin on Tuesday to participate in the Pakistan-Türkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit. He was welcomed at Lachin Airport by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin, and other officials, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Pakistani delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
Earlier this month, amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, Azerbaijan publicly expressed its support and solidarity with Pakistan’s government and people.
Azerbaijan condemned actions taken by the Indian military in a formal letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister. Delivered by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, the message conveyed condolences to those affected and wished for the recovery of the injured. Azerbaijan also called on both sides to pursue a peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on a six-day diplomatic tour of four countries aimed at strengthening regional partnerships following recent Pakistan-India tensions.
The day before arriving in Azerbaijan, Sharif visited Tehran, where he met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the historic Sa’dabad Palace and also held talks with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
After their discussions, Sharif and President Pezeshkian held a joint media briefing during which the Prime Minister thanked Iran for its support during the recent tensions with India.
He reiterated Pakistan’s endorsement of Iran’s right to pursue a peaceful nuclear program, stating, “We stand with our Iranian brothers and fully support Iran’s right to a civilian nuclear programme.”
Following visits to Türkiye and Iran, the Prime Minister will conclude his regional tour in Tajikistan, where he is set to attend the International Conference on Glaciers from May 29 to 30.
