Pakistan, Azerbaijan vow to expand strategic cooperation

-- PM Shehbaz, President Aliyev reaffirm strong Pakistan-Azerbaijan brotherly ties

-- Both leaders agree to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and energy sectors

-- Azerbaijan lauds Pakistan's diplomatic role in promoting Iran-US ceasefire efforts

-- PM Shehbaz renews invitation for President Aliyev to undertake official Pakistan visit

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy and people-to-people exchanges during a telephone conversation.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and reiterated the deep fraternal bonds shared by the two countries.

During the warm and cordial conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his best wishes to President Aliyev for the successful hosting of the upcoming World Urban Forum scheduled to be held in Baku next week.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the forum, under Azerbaijan’s leadership, would serve as an important platform for advancing the global urban development agenda. He regretted that pressing commitments would prevent him from attending the event personally but assured that Pakistan would be strongly represented.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East.

President Aliyev appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, describing it as a reflection of the international community’s trust and confidence in Pakistan and its leadership.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and expressed their desire to meet in person later this year.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also renewed his invitation to President Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.