Islamabad, Baku advancing ties under Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan trilateral framework: President Aliyev

BAKU: Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has said Islamabad and Baku are strengthening their relationship within a trilateral framework involving Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the Azerbaijani presidency after his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Maryam arrived in Baku on Saturday on a three-day visit to represent Pakistan at the 13th UN World Urban Forum (WUF13). During the meeting, both sides praised what the Azerbaijani presidency described as the continued growth of fraternal ties and the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

The statement said the two sides reviewed cooperation across political, economic, diplomatic, defence, and other sectors. They also underlined the significance of interregional cooperation and noted the scope for further expansion in trade relations.

According to the statement, it was also pointed out during the meeting that centres based on Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet model have been set up in Pakistan.

Expressing satisfaction over her participation in WUF13, Maryam thanked President Aliyev for the invitation and commended the arrangements for the event. The Azerbaijani presidency said she noted that major global issues linked to urban planning would be discussed in Baku.

The statement added that Maryam said the beauty of Baku had left a deep impression on her and described the city as a remarkable example of harmony between culture and modern urban planning.

During her visit, the Punjab chief minister also went to the grave of Azerbaijan’s founder, Heydar Aliyev, and paid tribute to his memory with what the statement described as deep respect and reverence.

Maryam conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to President Aliyev. In response, Aliyev thanked her for the message and asked that his greetings be passed on to both Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif. The statement added that the Azerbaijani president also recalled the friendly relations between Heydar Aliyev and Nawaz Sharif.

Ali Mustafa Dar, Maryam’s brother-in-law, who was appointed as her adviser on artificial intelligence and special initiatives a few months ago, was also part of the delegation. In a post on X, he wrote: "An honour accompanying my leader Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif to today’s meeting with the President of Azerbaijan H.E. Ilham Aliyev."

Maryam to address leaders summit

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who is accompanying the chief minister, said Maryam would represent Pakistan at the UN Urban Forum Leaders Summit on Sunday and present Pakistan’s vision for safe, resilient, and inclusive cities.

Aurangzeb said that on Monday, the chief minister would inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion, which will showcase Punjab’s key initiatives, including Apni Chhat Apna Ghar. She described it as one of the world’s fastest and largest affordable housing programmes, with 160,000 loans approved.

According to Aurangzeb, 100,489 families have already moved into homes under the programme.

Earlier this week, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by telephone, during which the prime minister conveyed his best wishes for WUF13. The Prime Minister’s Office had said Shehbaz expressed confidence that the forum, under Azerbaijan’s stewardship, would provide an important platform for advancing the global urban development agenda.

The PMO also said the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to meeting in person later this year.