Azerbaijan and Pakistan strengthen ties with new cooperation agreements

Following extensive negotiations between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, the two countries have signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The agreements were finalized during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, marking a significant step in bolstering bilateral relations.

Among the key agreements exchanged, a "Memorandum of Understanding on Consular Cooperation" was signed between Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ishaq Dar. This agreement aims to improve consular services and cooperation between the two countries.

Additionally, Pakistan's Minister of Commerce Kam Kamal Khan and Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev exchanged a "Transit Trade Agreement" to facilitate smoother trade routes between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Another important exchange was a "Preferential Trade Agreement" signed by Minister Kamal Khan and Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mamedov, aimed at promoting trade by providing preferential treatment to certain goods.

The ceremony also witnessed agreements fostering economic and technological cooperation. Pakistan's Minister of Communications and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan and Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mamedov exchanged a "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Privatization of State Property." This agreement seeks to streamline privatization processes and stimulate investment opportunities.

In the energy and natural resources sector, Pakistan's Minister of Energy Musaddik Masood Malik and Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov exchanged a "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Mineral Resources and Geology." This agreement aims to leverage the rich potential of both countries' mineral sectors through joint exploration and development initiatives.

Cultural exchange was also central, with an exchange of the "Cultural Exchange Program for 2024-2029" between Pakistan's Minister of National Heritage and Culture Ataullah Tarar and Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov. This program aims to deepen mutual understanding through artistic and cultural exchanges over the next five years.

In the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Pakistan's Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev exchanged a "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the ICT Sector." This agreement aims to promote collaboration in technological innovations and the development of digital infrastructure.

Agreements were also reached in the media sector: Shahira Shahid, Chairman of Pakistan Television Corporation, and Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farkhadov exchanged a "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Closed Joint Stock Company 'Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting' and Pakistan Television Corporation."

To strengthen urban connections, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Islamabad Capital Territory, and Eldar Azizov, Head of the Executive Authority of Baku City, exchanged a "Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Sister City Relations between Baku (Azerbaijan) and Islamabad (Pakistan)." This initiative aims to promote cultural and economic exchanges at the municipal level.

Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters Nasiba Arif and Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farkhadov exchanged a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and the Pakistan Academy of Letters." This agreement aims to promote cooperation in literary research and cultural studies.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of these discussions, highlighting the mutual trust and respect that underpin Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations. He noted that despite strong political and cultural ties, the current trade volume of $100 million does not reflect the full potential of their partnership. To address this, leaders discussed joint investment projects totaling $2 billion aimed at significantly expanding economic cooperation.

Sharif also expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's consistent support on the Kashmir issue, acknowledging support from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the broader Middle East region. He recalled President Aliyev's visit to Pakistan in 2017 as a moment of historical significance.

President Aliyev, affirming the strength of bilateral friendship, emphasized Pakistan's unwavering support during challenging times for Azerbaijan. He announced the dispatch of an Azerbaijani technical team to Islamabad to assist in city beautification inspired by Baku's modernization. Aliyev expressed a shared desire to make Islamabad one of the most beautiful cities in the world, underscoring the need to strengthen trade ties.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sharif addressed the inaugural trilateral summit of Pakistan-Turkey-Azerbaijan, held during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. He proposed establishing institutional mechanisms to strengthen economic and trade cooperation among the three countries, reflecting deep cultural, historical, and religious ties that underpin their relations.

According to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Aliyev's visit is expected to catalyze economic cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan's Minister of Petroleum Mosaddiq Masood Malik announced that Azerbaijan is considering investments in Pakistan ranging from $2 to $3 billion, with a particular focus on sectors such as minerals, oil, and gas. Malik highlighted Azerbaijan's interest in the liquefied natural gas sector and broader energy resource exploration.

Prime Minister Sharif underscored the strategic importance of expanding economic cooperation with allies, prioritizing investments from friendly countries such as Azerbaijan. President Aliyev's visit is viewed as a turning point in the development of bilateral relations and the opening of new economic opportunities for both countries.