Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Azerbaijan on Friday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev.
According to state broadcaster PTV, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar is accompanying the premier on the trip.
The Foreign Office, in a statement released earlier in the day, confirmed that the visit coincides with the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day, an occasion marking the country’s success in reclaiming territories previously under Armenian occupation.
During his stay, Prime Minister Shehbaz will attend the official Victory Day celebrations and hold a bilateral meeting with President Aliyev. The two leaders are expected to review the full scope of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations and explore opportunities to enhance collaboration in various sectors such as trade, energy, education, defense, and regional connectivity.
The Foreign Office underscored that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share deep-rooted ties founded on faith, culture, history, and mutual trust. It added that the visit will serve to reaffirm Pakistan’s firm support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
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This marks Prime Minister Shehbaz’s second visit to Baku this year, his earlier trip took place in May during a multi-country tour, where he and President Aliyev had agreed to expand cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.
In August, President Aliyev personally called Prime Minister Shehbaz to thank Pakistan for its consistent backing of Azerbaijan’s stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
The visit reflects Islamabad’s growing interest in deepening its engagement with the South Caucasus, especially in energy and infrastructure projects that could enhance Pakistan’s regional connectivity. With Azerbaijan emerging as a key energy supplier, both sides are expected to discuss long-term arrangements in oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
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The trip is also being viewed as part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen partnerships beyond its traditional allies, aligning with the government’s focus on economic diplomacy and regional cooperation. Strengthening ties with Azerbaijan could open new avenues for trade routes linking Central and South Asia.
