President Aliyev expresses gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the support of Azerbaijan

Baku/06/15.23/Turan: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on June 15, expressing his gratitude for Pakistan's support during the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and the second Karabakh war, as well as for assistance in restoring territorial integrity.

Stressing the position of Pakistan as a fraternal country that refrains from establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia because of the occupation, Aliyev informed Prime Minister Sharif during a joint press statement about the ongoing peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The President stressed that prospects for signing a peace agreement exist provided that Armenia shows political will and officially recognizes Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, as it stated earlier.

Aliyev also expressed readiness to increase the volume of trade with Pakistan and sign a memorandum of understanding in this regard. He also stressed the significant potential of cooperation between the two countries in both the traditional and renewable energy sectors.

The President mentioned plans to increase the number of flights between the cities of Azerbaijan and Pakistan, in particular the capitals.

Noting the positive results expected from the visit of Prime Minister Sharif, Aliyev stressed the significant potential of cooperation in the field of education. There are currently 750 Pakistani students studying in Azerbaijan, and the goal is to attract more Pakistani students to study in Azerbaijan. The President also mentioned Azerbaijanis studying in Pakistan who, upon returning to their homeland, contribute to various fields.

During their meeting, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Sharif confirmed that Pakistan and Azerbaijan hold similar positions on both bilateral and multilateral issues.

Shahbaz Sharif confirmed the fraternal nature of the relations between the two nations, based on mutual support, sincerity and trust.

Stressing the unique position of Pakistan among the countries that have refrained from establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia, the Prime Minister stressed the moral obligation to support Azerbaijan. He said that if Azerbaijan sends a signal after signing a peace agreement with Armenia, Pakistan will reconsider its position. Sharif stressed Pakistan's continued support for Azerbaijan in this matter.

Azerbaijani commentators note that the meeting between President Aliyev and Prime Minister Sharif marks the strengthening of ties and mutual cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.