On the invitation of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Muhammad ShehbazSharif visited Azerbaijan from 14-15 June 2023.

The Prime Minister was received by the President Aliyev at the Zugulba/Presidential Palace with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. Both leaders held a tête-à-tête followed by delegation level talks.Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that his visit was a testament to the importance attached to relations with Azerbaijan. Acknowledging the existent potential for cooperation, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to transforming the brotherly relation to a strategic partnership.

During the meetings the two sides held wide ranging discussions to review the state of play of the historic ties.Discussions also focused on creating synergies in various areas of mutual interest, including, economic & trade relations, renewable energy, connectivity, cultural exchanges, tourism and defense cooperation.Two Memorandums of Understanding, on promoting Cultural Cooperation and Foreign Service Institutional Linkages, were also signed to these effects.

Addressing media representatives,Prime Minister highlighted that his visit to Azerbaijan reflected the government's commitment to strengthen fraternal relations for the benefit of the two nations while promoting regional peace and connectivity on the whole.Healso extended an invitation to President Aliyev to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Expressing satisfaction on cooperation at international fora, the Prime Ministeralso appreciated Azerbaijan’sprincipled stance on IIOJK at various international fora, including at the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir.President Ilham Aliyev thanked Pakistan for its unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Azerbaijan’s Ministers of Economy, Energy and President of State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) also paid a courtesy call/courtesy calls on the Prime Minister. Ongoing negotiations for collaboration, potential avenues of trade& investment and cooperation in the energy sectors were discussed during the meeting.

(Paying respects to the Founding Father of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs of Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister commenced his formal engagements with wreath laying ceremonies at the Alley of Honor and Alley of Martyrs.)

The visit is expected to further elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights and pave the way for increased cooperation in various fields.

Islamabad

15 June 2023