Azerbaijan’s President to Visit Pakistan in April to Finalize $2 Billion Investment Deals

Report by Syed Farzand Ali

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has expressed his intent to visit Pakistan in April 2025 to formalize $2 billion in investment projects, marking a significant milestone in economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in trade, investment, and regional collaboration.

Upon his arrival at Zugulba Palace, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was given a warm welcome and a guard of honor by Azerbaijan’s armed forces. The two leaders engaged in one-on-one discussions, followed by delegation-level talks, focusing on boosting economic ties and cooperation in various sectors.

During the meeting, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to investing $2 billion in Pakistan, with a focus on:
✔ Energy sector advancements
✔ Infrastructure development
✔ Trade and industrial growth

Both countries acknowledged that current bilateral trade does not reflect the true potential of their long-standing diplomatic ties and agreed on measures to significantly increase trade and investment opportunities.

Expanding Bilateral Trade & Investment

• Pakistan and Azerbaijan aim to enhance business partnerships by exploring joint investment projects.
• Energy cooperation remains a top priority, with Azerbaijan showing interest in Pakistan’s oil, gas, and power sectors.
• Both leaders emphasized the importance of regional connectivity and economic integration.

Mutual Support at International Platforms

Pakistan and Azerbaijan continue to work closely at major international forums, including the United Nations (UN), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s continued support on the Kashmir issue, while Pakistan reiterated its backing for Azerbaijan on the Karabakh dispute, aligning with UN resolutions and international law.

Signing of Agreements & Future Collaboration

The meeting concluded with the exchange of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to expand collaboration in trade, energy, and infrastructure.

The Pakistani delegation included key government officials:
✔ Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar
✔ Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan
✔ Minister for Investment & Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan
✔ Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain
✔ Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar
✔ Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi

With President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Pakistan set for April 2025, both nations are expected to solidify economic partnerships, enhance trade relations, and explore new investment opportunities, paving the way for a stronger and more prosperous future.