Islamabad, July 17, 2025
Azerbaijan and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties, with a strong emphasis on expanding regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The renewed momentum comes following a high-level meeting between Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Samed Bashirli, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, held during Bashirli’s official visit to Islamabad.
Pakistani media reported that the discussions focused on strengthening economic links through regional connectivity and enhanced trade corridors. Minister Khan hailed the long-standing friendship between the two nations as a strategic asset, recalling Azerbaijan’s steadfast support during periods of tension between Islamabad and New Delhi.
“Azerbaijan has always stood by Pakistan, even in difficult times. That level of trust makes our partnership special,” Khan said, adding that the foundation for long-term cooperation lies in boosting business ties and fostering regional trade infrastructure.
With a domestic market of over 250 million people, Pakistan offers “enormous potential” for bilateral economic engagement, the minister stressed.
He also highlighted the cultural affinity between the two countries, sharing personal impressions from his recent visit to Baku. “It’s common to see the flags of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan displayed together in local souvenir shops,” he noted, calling it a symbol of fraternal ties that go beyond diplomacy.
“Pakistanis hold a deep affection for Azerbaijan. During national celebrations, our people often wave Azerbaijani and Turkish flags alongside their own — a true reflection of people-to-people solidarity,” Khan added.
For his part, Deputy Minister Bashirli thanked the Pakistani government for its hospitality and reiterated Baku’s strong interest in expanding economic cooperation with Islamabad.
Both sides agreed to intensify collaboration in key sectors and praised the role of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce in Islamabad, which has already begun facilitating business partnerships between the two nations.
The meeting underscores a growing trend in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy — strengthening alliances beyond its immediate neighborhood through pragmatic economic diplomacy.
