ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Azerbaijan have reaffirmed their commitment to bolster collaboration across trade, energy, air connectivity, and cultural exchanges. This development emerged from a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry, Vugar Mustafayev, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
According to a statement by Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari welcomed Minister Mustafayev and his delegation, emphasizing the historical relationship between the two nations. He underscored the importance of increasing people-to-people contacts, tourism, and business relations to foster regional economic cooperation.
President Zardari advocated for strengthening cultural connections and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. He also welcomed the initiation of direct flights between the countries, noting that these flights could further improve ties. In 2024, over 72,000 Pakistanis visited Azerbaijan for business and tourism, showing a 25% increase from the previous year.
Minister Mustafayev expressed Azerbaijan’s eagerness to deepen bilateral cooperation in energy, business, and cultural sectors. He acknowledged the longstanding support between the two countries and conveyed appreciation for Pakistan’s political backing, which he stated is valued by the Azerbaijani people.
Furthermore, Minister Mustafayev extended the best wishes of Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev, to President Zardari, wishing for the continued success and prosperity of Pakistan.