Islamabad (TDI): Chairing an inter-ministerial meeting on investment project proposals with Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishar Dar, said that stronger relations with Azerbaijan are a priority for Pakistan.
Both countries are keen to take up joint ventures and investment proposals are under scrutiny to see their viability.
During the meeting, Ishaq Dar “directed to accelerate the implementation of decisions to boost economic growth and development through viable investment projects.”
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, chaired an inter-ministerial meeting on investment project proposals with Azerbaijan. DPM/FM directed to accelerate the implementation of decisions to boost economic growth and development through… pic.twitter.com/lDZsAWHhKR
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 25, 2025
On Sunday, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev wrote a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of 85th National Day of Pakistan. In the letter he stressed on and expressed desire to expand cooperation and investment in mutual areas of interest.
PM Shehbaz visited Azerbaijan last month and both sides agreed that detailed agreements spanning over sectors like energy, tourism, education, trade, logistics, and others will be signed in April. It is expected that these agreements will be worth $2 billion.
The inter-ministerial meeting was also held to finalize arrangements and investment proposals prior to signing formal agreements.
Azerbaijan is one of Pakistan’s closest regional friends. The two countries exchange regular high-level visits.
Read more: Azerbaijan-Pakistan Ties: A Bond of Strength and Trust
President Ilham Aliyev visited Pakistan last year, when both sides agreed that bilateral trade volume must be substantially raised.
Currently, the focus of Pakistan’s Government is on investment-driven projects and Azerbaijan is just as keen to cooperate with Pakistan in this area.
In 2023, Azerbaijan’s exports to Pakistan were worth $8.2 million and those of Pakistan’s to Azerbaijan were $20.6 million. Potatoes were Pakistan’s main export item to Azerbaijan.
In addition to trade, Pakistani tourists travel to Baku every year in large numbers.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
