ISLAMABAD: The naval leadership of Pakistan and Azerbaijan has agreed to broaden and reinforce existing defence cooperation, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the military’s media wing.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf held talks at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad with Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov. During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen and diversify the scope of their bilateral defence relationship.
The discussions covered issues of mutual interest, the regional maritime security environment, and opportunities to expand collaboration in training and defence.
On arrival at the headquarters, the visiting Azerbaijani commander was welcomed with a guard of honour by a Pakistan Navy contingent. He also laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada’s Monument. A briefing on Pakistan Navy’s ongoing projects was later given to the visiting delegation.
The statement noted that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share longstanding ties characterised by close naval cooperation and said the visit would further enhance collaboration between the two countries, particularly between their navies.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan maintain strong defence relations. In 2024, Azerbaijan signed a $1.6 billion agreement to acquire JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.
Last August, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir was awarded a war medal by Azerbaijan’s defence minister.
