Pakistan and Azerbaijan agreed to boost their bilateral investment to $2 billion, focusing on energy, connectivity, and defense projects, as announced during a joint press conference held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, following the signing of various agreements in Islamabad.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev paid a state visit to Pakistan from July 11-12, 2024, where he held detailed meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
He was welcomed with a 21-gun salute and received by PM Sharif along with cabinet members, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Aliyev was also presented with bouquets by children in traditional dress and given a guard of honor.
Azeri president’s plane was escorted by Pakistani JF-17 Thunder fighter jets as soon as the plane entered Pakistan’s airspace. Aliyev’s Assistant Hikmet Hajiyev share the captivating video on X.
President Aliyev was accompanied by a high-level delegation including ministers of Defense, Defense Industry, Economy, Digital Development, and Transport, as well as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan sign 15 agreements and discuss $2 billion investments
The governments of Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed 15 agreements in various fields including transit trade, mineral resources, and tourism during the ongoing visit of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. The agreements were signed in various fields such as consular affairs, transit trade, preferential trade, privatization of state property, law and justice, mineral resources and geology.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan also discussed a series of joint projects worth $2 billion, aiming to transform bilateral relations into an “economic partnership” between the two allies.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, stating, “We have discussed an initial figure of $2 billion of investment in areas of mutual beneficial projects.” The current trade volume of $100 million does not reflect the “true” trade potential between the two countries, he said.
He anticipated that by his visit to Azerbaijan in November, both nations would be prepared to finalize agreements totaling $2 billion, with significant potential for further growth. “In today’s detailed conversation, we have agreed to enhance our bilateral trade and discuss areas of joint cooperation and investment,” he added.
Sharif acknowledged that the current investment volume of less than $100 million did not reflect the strong brotherhood and friendship between the two countries.
Both sides demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing their trade and investment relations during the bilateral meeting.
Both leaders discussed various projects for the initial investment of $2 billion, focusing on energy, connectivity, infrastructure, and the defense industry. President Aliyev emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships not only at the political level but also in economic and trade investment.
Aliyev visits NASTP
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev also toured the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) at the Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan.
The “NASTP Alpha” section showcases the Pakistan Air Force’s aviation equipment, space technology, radar systems, wireless communication systems, simulators, cyber technologies, information technologies, software, and artificial intelligence products. The “Alpha Techno” corner of the exhibition provides seamless and cost-effective workspace solutions for startups and established businesses or enterprises
NASTP integrates the National Institute of Emerging Systems and Technologies (NIEST), which houses several prominent training centers, and the School of Emerging Technologies and Systems.
COP29 climate conference
PM Sharif also expressed hope that the upcoming COP29 climate summit, to be hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku, would be a significant event for developing countries, including Pakistan. “We are confident that under your wise stewardship, COP29 will deliver on the climate change-related issues of developing countries like Pakistan,” he said.
President Aliyev echoed the sentiments of brotherhood and deep connection between the two nations. “This connection is a big asset; we are brothers, we are friends, and we support each other on every international issue,” he said.
Support for Kashmir
Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s support for the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of international law and the rights of Kashmiris.
Azeri President noted that the UN Security Council resolutions outlined how the Kashmir issue should be resolved but lamented the lack of implementation mechanisms. “But we as brothers and friends will always stand side by side with you, with our brothers in Kashmir, with international law, with justice, and I am sure justice will prevail,” he added.
Aliyev said that Pakistan’s support to Baku during its war against Armenia in Karabakh “gave us more power,” adding that “Pakistan and Türkiye are the countries who have always supported Azerbaijan on the Karabakh issue. Azerbaijan has a unique relationship with the two countries.”
Sharif thanked the leadership and people of Azerbaijan for their “consistent” support on the Kashmir issue, saying the two allies will continue to support each other on all regional and international forums on Kashmir and Karabakh.
In May, the Azeri foreign minister visited Pakistan and held talks with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, focusing on increasing bilateral investment, particularly in the energy sector. Both foreign ministers expressed a strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral strategic relations.
During his visit, President Aliyev and his high-powered delegation met with PM Sharif and other key officials to discuss and enhance cooperation across various sectors. The national anthems of both countries were played as the Azeri president received a guard of honor from contingents of the armed forces.