Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day official visit from July 11-12 on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
President Aliyev was warmly received by Prime Minister Sharif and his cabinet members at the airport, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar.
A 21-gun salute was heard in the background to announce the arrival of the dignitary. Two children, dressed in traditional dresses, presented bouquets to him on his arrival.
During his visit, President Aliyev is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
To further strengthen bilateral cooperation, the two sides will engage in extensive discussions on areas of mutual interest.
Moreover, Pakistan and Azerbaijan are set to sign 15 memoranda of understanding today, marking a significant breakthrough in the development of bilateral trade and cooperation. Sources indicate that these agreements will encompass a wide range of sectors, highlighting the deepening ties between the two countries.
Among the major agreements is a preferential trade agreement aimed at enhancing trade relations by providing mutually beneficial terms. Additionally, a transit trade agreement and an air service agreement will be signed, facilitating smoother movement of goods and people between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
The two nations will also sign MoUs for cooperation in foreign affairs and the information sector. A draft cultural exchange program will be exchanged, further cementing the cultural ties between the countries.
The agreements will be formalized during a joint press conference held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the visiting president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. In addition, three federal ministers will meet with President Aliyev tomorrow morning, followed by a formal meeting at the Presidential Palace with President Asif Zardari. The Pakistani president will host a dinner in honuor of the Azerbaijani delegation.
The visit is expected to conclude with President Aliyev's departure tomorrow after completing his engagements in Pakistan.
According to a press release from the Foreign Office, the heads of government of the two countries will engage in comprehensive discussions on areas of mutual interest to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
On Wednesday, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik had announced that Azerbaijan is considering an investment of $2 to $3 billion in Pakistan, with a special focus on the mineral sector, including oil and gas. Malik highlighted Azerbaijan's keen interest in oil and gas exploration and increasing investment in the the LNG sector.
Minister Malik also emphasized the PM's commitment to increasing economic cooperation with friendly countries, prioritizing investment over aid. He expressed optimism that President Aliyev's visit will significantly boost trade relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Discussions are expected to cover increasing textile exports and promoting the IT sector, with hopes that these measures will substantially enhance economic ties between the two nations, Malik had said.
The signing of these agreements and the anticipated investments signal a promising future for Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, fostering economic growth and strengthening bilateral ties.
