Baku (Web Desk): Pakistan and Azerbaijan have decided to enhance the scope of bilateral investment up to two billion dollars in areas of mutual beneficial projects.
The decision was made during talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at the Presidential Palace in Baku on Monday.
Later addressing a joint news conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said all the political parties in Pakistan are united to further strengthen friendship between the two countries.
He said the cordial and friendly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan should be expanded to the economic front as well.
PM Shehbaz expressed the confidence that the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed today and agreements which will be signed later in April this year will go a long way in promoting our sincere efforts to have very good dividends in future.
“It is the time that both Pakistan and Azerbaijan should enhance their defence ties to higher level,” the premier said, adding that the commitment to initiate joint manufacturing of defence equipment will also have far reaching impacts.
PM Shehbaz termed the proposal of Azerbaijan President for international infrastructure corridor as need of the hour saying that Pakistan's Gwadar Port can also be used for imports and exports.
“It will bring very transformative and positive impact in the entire region,” the premier said, adding that Pakistan fully supports this vision of Azerbaijan president.
PM Shehbaz also thanked Ilham Aliyev for extending very warm hospitality to his entourage during visit to the Azerbaijan.
He also thanked him for his country’s continued support for the cause of Kashmir without any political conditions.
“We deeply appreciate this and I hope that resolutions passed by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council will be materialized one day soon through our collective efforts,” he added.
The prime minister underscored that the People of Gaza now needed permanent ceasefire and today was the time that pause in Gaza should now be converted into permanent ceasefire and dream of two-state of this area should be materialized.
PM Shehbaz expressed the commitment to solidify and strengthen relationship and brotherhood through mutual efforts.
Earlier today, PM Shehbaz was given a guard of honour as he arrived at the Zagulba Presidential Palace to hold a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks with President Ilham Aliyev.
As the prime minister arrived at the venue of the formal welcome reception, President Aliyev warmly received him.
The national anthems of Pakistan and Azerbaijan were played before a guard of honour by the contingents of the Azerbaijan armed forces.
Later, both leaders proceeded to the bilateral meeting which will follow the delegation-level talks to discuss areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the two leaders also witnessed a ceremony of signing of MoUs and agreements aimed at strengthening the bilateral relations.
PM Shehbaz, along with a high-level delegation, is on a two-day official visit to Baku at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev.
This is his second visit to Azerbaijan since assuming office in March 2024.