Pakistan, Azerbaijan vow to strengthen trade, regional cooperation in Islamabad meeting PHOTO

Pakistan and Azerbaijan remain committed to deepening bilateral ties, with a renewed focus on boosting regional cooperation, trade, and investment, officials from both countries confirmed during a high-level meeting in Islamabad.

The discussions took place between Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, as part of the Azerbaijani delegation's visit to Pakistan, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Speaking at the meeting, Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the strategic value of the two countries’ longstanding friendship.

He recalled Baku’s unwavering support during Pakistan’s conflict with India and described Azerbaijan as a reliable partner in difficult times.

The minister expressed confidence that strengthening business ties and developing regional trade corridors would lay a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.

“Pakistan offers a huge market of over 250 million people, and there are broad opportunities for bilateral economic engagement,” he stressed.

Khan also shared his impressions from a recent visit to Azerbaijan and noted the cultural closeness between the two nations. He mentioned that Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Pakistani flags are often seen together in souvenir shops across Baku, symbolising deep and friendly ties.

“The people of Pakistan have a strong affection for Azerbaijan. During national celebrations, citizens often wave Azerbaijani and Turkish flags — a sign of enduring friendship between our peoples,” he added.

For his part, Deputy Minister Samad Bashirli thanked his hosts for the warm welcome and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s interest in expanding trade and economic relations with Pakistan.

Both sides agreed to intensify economic cooperation and highlighted the important role of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce in Islamabad, which is already contributing to the development of bilateral business relations.

By Khagan Isayev