AZERBAIJAN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Friday on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit, held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to boosting trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
During the bilateral meeting, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress in investment discussions and agreed to deepen collaboration, particularly Azerbaijan’s expanding investment footprint in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz is leading Pakistan’s delegation at the ECO Summit, being held from July 3 to 4, under the theme “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.”
Upon arrival at the Khankendi Congress Centre, PM Shehbaz was warmly received by President Aliyev. The two leaders exchanged greetings before joining other regional heads for a family photo session.
Accompanying the prime minister were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi. The delegation earlier visited Shusha city, marking Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement with the region.
PM Highlights Pakistan’s Vision at ECO
At the summit, PM Shehbaz is expected to present Pakistan’s stance on key regional and global challenges, reaffirm the country’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, and call for greater intra-regional trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development.
Bilateral Engagements
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shehbaz held a constructive meeting with President Aliyev, where he congratulated him on the successful hosting of the ECO Summit and praised Azerbaijan’s organisational excellence.
He also conveyed appreciation for the hospitality extended during his earlier visit to Lachin, Azerbaijan, from May 27 to 29.
The prime minister thanked Azerbaijan for its strong support to Pakistan during times of tension with India and reaffirmed that Pakistan has consistently supported Azerbaijan in its own difficult moments.
The meeting underscored the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two nations as both leaders look to strengthen ties across multiple sectors in the coming years.
