Islamabad: Pakistan and Azerbaijan have committed to enhancing their bilateral cooperation in crucial sectors including energy, trade, connectivity, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. The pledge came during a high-level meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to Press Information Department, the leaders discussed a broad range of issues, emphasizing the importance of Gwadar Port and its potential benefits for Central Asia and Azerbaijan in boosting regional trade and connectivity. Both presidents witnessed the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding, aimed at fostering cooperation in trade, commerce, tourism, mining, science and technology, law, justice, and cultural exchanges.

President Zardari expressed optimism about the East’s potential to lead global prosperity and highlighted the need for sustainable engagement with Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan. President Aliyev reiterated the significance of frequent people-to-people contacts and called for enhanced business-to-business relationships to strengthen economic ties. The visit also featured a banquet hosted by President Zardari, attended by key figures including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and other dignitaries, underscoring the warm relations and mutual support between the two nations.