President Zardari: Pakistan, Azerbaijan strengthen brotherly ties

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed that Islamabad regards Azerbaijan as a key strategic partner, underscoring the steady strengthening of bilateral relations across multiple sectors.

Zardari made the remarks during a farewell meeting with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr presidential residence, according to a statement from the president’s office cited by Caliber.Az.

“President Zardari mentioned that Pakistan deeply values Azerbaijan as a trusted brotherly country and strategic partner. He noted that bilateral ties, founded on mutual trust and steadfast support for each other’s core interests, continue to grow stronger,” the statement said.

The Pakistani president welcomed the growing intensity of parliamentary, business, cultural and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. He reiterated his commitment to translating the shared vision of the two nations’ leadership into tangible outcomes in areas including trade and investment, transport connectivity, information technology, climate change mitigation and tourism, as well as expanding cooperation in defence and security.

Zardari also praised Ambassador Farhadov for his role in strengthening long-standing fraternal ties between the two countries. He highlighted the envoy’s contribution to organising Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Pakistan in July 2024, describing it as a milestone that opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.

The president congratulated Farhadov on completing his diplomatic mission in Islamabad and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The outgoing Ambassador, who is headed to Malaysia, told the President that Pakistan had been his first ambassadorial posting and would always remain his “first love”. “I will represent both Azerbaijan and Pakistan in Malaysia, Mr. President,” he said.

Mrs. Tarana Farhadova was also present during the meeting. She presented a pictorial book to President Asif Ali Zardari documenting their five-year stay in Pakistan.

By Tamilla Hasanova