Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated in the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum in Baku alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, where he emphasized the strengthening of defense cooperation and called the North-South Corridor a "game changer" for the region.

During his address, PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan and Azerbaijan’s commitment to enhancing collaboration in the defense sector, particularly in defense production. He noted that the JF-17 fighter jet stands as a testament to high-tech military cooperation between the two nations.

$2bn investment agreement finalised

The prime minister also announced that a $2 billion investment agreement would be finalised within a month, further deepening economic ties between the two nations. He encouraged business communities from both sides to take full advantage of emerging investment opportunities.

Also Read: Shehbaz, Aliyev reaffirm ties; Azerbaijan to invest $2bn in Pakistan’s economy

Honouring Karabakh martyrs

As part of his visit, PM Shehbaz Sharif visited the Victory Memorial of the Martyrs of the 44-day war in Nagorno-Karabakh, where he laid flowers and paid tribute to the fallen heroes. Accompanying him were Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Investment Board, Communications and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, and other high-level delegates.

Grand welcome at presidential palace

Upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace in Baku, PM Shehbaz was warmly received by President Ilham Aliyev and accorded a guard of honour. The two leaders first met one-on-one, followed by delegation-level talks, where key agreements were signed to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Pakistan-Azerbaijan agreements

During the visit, Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), including:

Amendments to the framework agreement for LNG trade between the two nations.
The White Oil Pipeline Project, aimed at improving energy connectivity.
Declaration of Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) and Lahore (Pakistan) as twin cities, further strengthening cultural and economic ties.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic partnerships, pledging to build upon their close historical and economic relations.

PM Shehbaz expressed optimism about future cooperation, stating that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is expected to visit Islamabad in April to formalize additional investment agreements.