PM vows to further strengthen strategic ties with Azerbaijan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening strategic ties with Azerbaijan, saying the two countries would continue to build on recent gains in bilateral co-operation.

The remarks came during a farewell call by Azerbaijan’s outgoing ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov.

Sharif thanked Farhadov for his efforts to deepen what he described as the “brotherly” relationship between the two countries during his tenure, citing progress in political, trade, economic, defence, cultural and people-to-people co-operation, including the launch of direct flights between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

He conveyed his regards to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and recalled his own visits to Azerbaijan over the past two and a half years, as well as Aliyev’s visit to Pakistan in July 2024.

Sharif said Pakistan remained committed to expanding bilateral relations and expressed confidence that the foundation laid during Farhadov’s tenure would support closer co-operation in the years ahead.

Farhadov thanked the Pakistani government and people for their support during his diplomatic assignment, describing his posting as a memorable period in his career.

He reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Pakistan and presented Sharif with a book based on his family’s experiences of living in Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026