Pakistan, Azerbaijan Strengthen Ties in Trade, Energy, and Culture

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, energy, air connectivity, and cultural exchanges.

The discussions took place during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry, Vugar Mustafayev, who led a delegation to Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.

Deep-Rooted Relations and Economic Cooperation

President Zardari welcomed the Azerbaijani minister and emphasized the historic ties between the two nations. He highlighted the need for stronger people-to-people connections, tourism links, and trade expansion to foster regional economic collaboration.

The President also called for boosting cultural exchanges and praised the recent launch of direct flights between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, stating that it would further facilitate economic and tourism growth. In 2024 alone, over 72,000 Pakistanis visited Azerbaijan, marking a 25% increase from the previous year.

Azerbaijan’s Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Minister Mustafayev acknowledged Pakistan’s consistent support for Azerbaijan on political and diplomatic fronts. He expressed Azerbaijan’s strong interest in expanding cooperation in energy, business, and cultural initiatives.

He also extended the warm wishes of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to President Zardari, hoping for Pakistan’s continued success, peace, and prosperity.

Looking Ahead

Both countries agreed to explore new avenues for economic collaboration and work towards mutual growth and stability in the region. With increasing trade and travel between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, the partnership is expected to strengthen further in the coming years.