Aliyev, Maryam Nawaz discuss strategic ties as Pakistan-Azerbaijan partnership deepens

• Azeri President highlights emerging Azerbaijan–Türkiye–Pakistan trilateral cooperation framework

• Both sides laud growing strategic, diplomatic and economic partnership

• Cooperation discussed in defence, trade, connectivity and institutional linkages

• CM Maryam praises WUF13 organisation, calls Baku model of modern urban planning

 BAKU/LAHORE: Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday underscored that relations between Islamabad and Baku are strengthening within a broader trilateral framework involving Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Pakistan, while commending the “fraternal ties and strategic partnership” between the two countries.

According to a statement issued by the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office, President Aliyev made the remarks during a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Baku.

CM Maryam is currently on a three-day official visit to Azerbaijan, where she is representing Pakistan at the 13th UN World Urban Forum (WUF13). She arrived in Baku on Saturday.

In a statement, the Azerbaijani presidency said President Aliyev emphasised that Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations were evolving within a trilateral cooperation structure involving Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Prezident İlham Əliyev Pakistanın Pəncab əyalətinin Baş nazirini qəbul edib.https://t.co/aUoMaXdndg pic.twitter.com/eMnvDMgVYQ

— İlham Əliyev (@azpresident) May 17, 2026

Both sides, it added, “commended the development of fraternal relations and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.”

The statement said the two leaders discussed cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic, defence and other sectors, while also highlighting opportunities for expanding trade and strengthening interregional connectivity.

It was further noted that centres based on Azerbaijan’s “ASAN Khidmet” model have already been established in Pakistan, reflecting ongoing institutional collaboration.

CM Maryam Nawaz, expressing satisfaction over participation in WUF13, thanked President Aliyev for the invitation and praised the event’s organisation, saying important global issues related to urban development would be discussed in Baku.

She also expressed admiration for the Azerbaijani capital, describing Baku as “a remarkable example of harmony between culture and modern urban planning.”

During the meeting, she said she had visited the mausoleum of Azerbaijan’s founding leader Heydar Aliyev and paid tribute to his memory with deep respect.

The chief minister conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, to President Aliyev. The Azerbaijani president reciprocated the sentiments and asked that his greetings be conveyed to both leaders.

The Azerbaijani presidency also recalled the longstanding friendly relations between Heydar Aliyev and Nawaz Sharif.

The PML-N later shared a video of the meeting, stating that CM Maryam highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location and nuclear status as important for regional stability.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Meets Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev!

🇵🇰🇦🇿CM Maryam Nawaz met President Ilham Aliyev and conveyed greetings from Nawaz Sharif and PM Shehbaz Sharif.#MaryamNawazInBaku#ApniChhatApnaGhar pic.twitter.com/VpggxwKzRo

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 17, 2026

Ali Mustafa Dar, Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister on artificial intelligence and special initiatives, was also part of the delegation.

On social media platform X, he described it as an honour to accompany the chief minister in her meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.

An honour accompanying my leader Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif to today’s meeting with the President of Azerbaijan H.E. Ilham Aliyev.

Long live 🇵🇰🇦🇿 brotherhood pic.twitter.com/s3Glx38y1r

— Ali Dar (@alimdar82) May 17, 2026

 Visit to mausoleum of founder of modern Azerbaijan

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz began her official engagements in Baku by visiting the mausoleum of Azerbaijan’s founding leader Heydar Aliyev.

Highlights of first day at Baku 🇦🇿#MaryamNawazInBaku#ApniChhatApnaGhar pic.twitter.com/YxL7uHkFOR

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 17, 2026

She laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered Fateha in tribute.

The chief minister also visited the Alley of Martyrs memorial in Baku, where she laid flowers to honour the sacrifices of Azerbaijani martyrs.

She paid tribute at the memorial by placing flowers before portraits of the martyrs and acknowledged their sacrifices for the nation.

Members of the accompanying delegation also paid respects and commended the sacrifices of Azerbaijani martyrs.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Khazar Farhadov and other officials accompanied the chief minister during the visits.

Maryam to address UN World Urban Forum

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

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in beautiful Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday, where she paid tribute at the Alley of Martyrs and visited the historic Alley of Fame.

She will shortly be meeting the President of Azerbaijan is Ilham Aliyev.

Today, she will represent… pic.twitter.com/jEu1oeZQWH

— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) May 17, 2026

On Monday, she will inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion showcasing Punjab’s development initiatives, including the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing programme, which has approved 160,000 loans.

The briefing added that 100,489 families have already moved into their own homes under the initiative.

Earlier this week, President Aliyev had spoken with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the phone, during which the premier conveyed his best wishes for WUF13.

The Prime Minister’s Office had stated that both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to meeting later this year.