Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day official visit from July 11 to 12 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
President Aliyev was warmly received at the airport by Prime Minister Sharif and members of his cabinet, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar.
A 21-gun salute could be heard in the background announcing the arrival of the dignitary. Two children, dressed in traditional clothes, presented him with bouquets as he arrived.
During his visit, President Aliyev is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
To further strengthen bilateral cooperation, the two sides will engage in extensive discussions on areas of common interest.
In addition, Pakistan and Azerbaijan are scheduled to sign 15 memorandums of understanding today, marking a major breakthrough in the development of bilateral trade and cooperation. Sources indicate that the deals will cover a wide range of sectors, highlighting the deepening ties between the two countries.
The main agreements include a preferential trade agreement aimed at strengthening trade relations by providing mutually beneficial conditions. In addition, a transit trade agreement and an air services agreement will be signed to facilitate smoother movement of goods and people between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
The two countries will also sign a memorandum of cooperation in the field of foreign affairs and the information sector. A draft cultural exchange program will be exchanged to further strengthen cultural ties between the countries.
The agreements will be formalized during a joint press conference hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and visiting President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. In addition, the three federal ministers will meet President Aliyev tomorrow morning, followed by a formal meeting at the Presidential Palace with President Asif Zardari. The President of Pakistan will host a dinner in honor of the Azerbaijani delegation.
The visit is expected to end tomorrow with the departure of President Aliyev after he completes his engagements in Pakistan.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Ministers of both countries will engage in comprehensive discussions on areas of common interest with the aim of further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
On Wednesday, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik announced that Azerbaijan is considering an investment of $2 billion to $3 billion in Pakistan, with a special focus on the mineral sector, including oil and gas. Malik emphasized Azerbaijan’s great interest in oil and gas exploration and increasing investment in the LNG sector.
Minister Malik also emphasized the Prime Minister’s commitment to increase economic cooperation with friendly countries and prioritize investment over aid. He expressed optimism that President Aliyev’s visit will significantly boost trade relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Discussions are expected to cover growing textile exports and support for the IT sector, with the hope that these measures will substantially strengthen economic ties between the two nations, Malik said.
The signing of these agreements and the expected investments signal a promising future for Pakistan-Azerbaijani relations, promoting economic growth and strengthening bilateral ties.
