PM Shehbaz to embark on two-day state visit to Azerbaijan

PM Shehbaz to embark on two-day state visit to Azerbaijan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to embark on a two-day state visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan from February 24 to 25, 2025, at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev. This visit marks the Prime Minister's second trip to Azerbaijan since assuming office in March 2024, underscoring the deep-rooted and brotherly relations between the two nations.

High-Level Delegation

Accompanying the Prime Minister will be a high-level delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with other key cabinet members. This ensemble reflects Pakistan's strong commitment to deepening its engagement with Azerbaijan across various sectors.

Agenda for Bilateral Discussions

During the visit, both sides are slated to engage in comprehensive discussions focusing on:

• Energy Cooperation: Exploring avenues for collaboration in oil and gas exploration, renewable energy initiatives, and energy efficiency projects.

• Trade and Investment: Aiming to bolster bilateral trade and attract investments, with Azerbaijan expected to sign agreements worth $2 billion for investment in Pakistan.

• Defence Collaboration: Building upon previous agreements, including the $1.6 billion deal in February 2024 for the sale of JF-17C Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan.

• Education and Climate Change: Discussing partnerships in educational exchanges and joint efforts to combat climate change.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are anticipated to be signed, further solidifying cooperation in these areas.

Business Forum and Economic Engagement

A significant highlight of the visit will be Prime Minister Sharif's keynote address at a Business Forum organized in collaboration with the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO). This forum aims to explore new avenues for trade and investment, fostering economic collaboration between the two countries.

Visit to Liberated Territories

In a gesture of solidarity, Prime Minister Sharif, alongside President Aliyev, is scheduled to visit Fuzuli in the Karabakh region. This visit to the liberated territories symbolizes Pakistan's unwavering support for Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Pakistan and Azerbaijan share a relationship built on mutual trust, understanding, and longstanding cooperation. Azerbaijan remains one of Pakistan's key economic and strategic partners, with collaborations spanning multiple sectors. The upcoming visit is poised to further enhance these ties, fostering greater economic collaboration and exploring new avenues for shared development.

This visit also follows a series of high-level engagements between the two nations. In July 2024, during President Aliyev's visit to Pakistan, both countries agreed to elevate bilateral investments up to $2 billion in mutually beneficial projects.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's forthcoming visit to Azerbaijan signifies a pivotal step in reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries. With a focus on energy, trade, defense, education, and climate change, the visit aims to translate the longstanding brotherly relations into tangible outcomes that benefit both nations.