Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan from February 24-25 at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev, as announced by the Foreign Office on Saturday.
This will be PM Shehbaz’s second visit to Azerbaijan since assuming office in March 2024. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and other key cabinet members, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Azerbaijan.
Key Areas of Discussion
During the visit, both sides will engage in discussions to enhance bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, defense, education, and climate sectors.
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are expected to be signed to formalize cooperation in multiple areas.
PM Shehbaz Sharif will also deliver a keynote speech at a Business Forum organized in collaboration with the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO).
Special Visit to Karabakh
During the visit, the premier, along with Azerbaijan’s president, will tour the recently liberated region of Fuzuli in Karabakh.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Reports indicate that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are likely to sign an agreement to establish an international trading company in Singapore as a Joint Venture between Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).
The federal cabinet has already ratified the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) decision approving this initiative. This will be PSO’s first international company in Singapore, facilitating LNG and other energy product trading. PSO will soon deposit $0.5 million in a Singaporean bank for company registration.
Defense and Investment Agreements
In February 2024, Pakistan signed an agreement to sell JF-17C Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan for $1.6 billion. Additionally, during the Azerbaijani president’s visit to Pakistan in July 2024, both nations agreed to enhance bilateral investments up to $2 billion in mutually beneficial projects.
This visit is expected to further strengthen Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations and open new avenues for economic and strategic cooperation.
