Pakistan, Azerbaijan pledge stronger economic ties after Shehbaz-Aliyev call

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have reaffirmed their strategic partnership and pledged to strengthen economic, investment and commercial cooperation following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to turn their strong political ties into tangible economic benefits for both countries.

Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s “deep-rooted, fraternal and strategic partnership” with Azerbaijan, emphasising the mutual trust and support that have characterised relations between the two nations.

The prime minister also conveyed the high regard in which Pakistan’s people hold President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan, describing the relationship as one built on friendship and solidarity.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation and stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in areas that could generate investment, commercial opportunities and shared prosperity.

Azerbaijan to Support Pakistan’s Public Service Initiative

A key focus of the conversation was the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in improving public service delivery.

The leaders discussed progress on the operationalisation of the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, an initiative modelled on Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet system, which provides citizens with streamlined government services.

According to the PMO, both leaders viewed the centre as a practical example of how bilateral cooperation could improve public services for ordinary Pakistanis.

At Shehbaz’s request, Aliyev agreed to provide Azerbaijan’s full support and technical expertise to help expand the Asaan Khidmat network across Pakistan.

The prime minister thanked the Azerbaijani president, describing the offer as another expression of Azerbaijan’s enduring friendship with Pakistan.

Regional Peace Also on Agenda

The two leaders also exchanged views on evolving regional and international developments, agreeing on the importance of continued consultation and coordination on matters of mutual interest.

Shehbaz briefed Aliyev on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and efforts to encourage dialogue, mediation and de-escalation amid regional tensions.

Aliyev appreciated Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role, acknowledging the importance of its efforts to promote peace and stability, the PMO statement said.

The conversation concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and translating political goodwill into lasting economic cooperation.

The latest contact follows their previous telephone conversation on May 12, when they discussed regional developments and efforts to restore peace in the Middle East.

Shehbaz last visited Azerbaijan in May 2025, when the two leaders pledged to diversify their strategic partnership through investment in mutually beneficial sectors.

The latest discussions signal renewed efforts by Islamabad and Baku to move beyond diplomatic solidarity and build a stronger partnership focused on trade, investment, public services and shared economic growth.