Azerbaijan pledges $2bn investment in Pakistan at trilateral summit

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday announced a $2 billion investment package for Pakistan, as leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Pakistan convened for a trilateral summit focused on deepening strategic and economic cooperation.

President Aliyev made the announcement while addressing the trilateral meeting, underscoring the historical and cultural bonds shared by the three nations.

“Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are united by a common cultural and historical heritage. We are moving forward together to achieve shared goals,” he said.

The Azerbaijani leader said the three countries were currently reviewing investment projects worth $2 billion, aimed at enhancing economic cooperation. “Pakistan and Turkey supported us during the 2020 war, and we value their steadfast solidarity. Our ties are built on mutual trust and brotherhood,” he added.

He particularly emphasised the importance of cooperation in the defence sector, stating that there is a wide scope for joint initiatives among the three countries. “Defence collaboration between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan is not only vital for our security but also essential for ensuring regional stability,” President Aliyev noted.

The meeting, attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and senior Pakistani officials, focused on strengthening trilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, defence, energy, and regional connectivity.

Erdogan reiterates his country's commitment to enhancing strategic ties with Pakistan

In his remarks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country's commitment to enhancing strategic ties with both Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

He also congratulated Azerbaijan on its Independence Day and expressed optimism about the reconstruction and development of the territories liberated following the 2020 conflict with Armenia.

“This second trilateral meeting marks a continuation of our joint efforts. The relations among our three nations are founded on mutual respect and trust. We are committed to further strengthening this strategic partnership,” Erdogan said.

Touching upon the humanitarian situation in the Middle East, the Turkish president condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza. “The children of Gaza are being brutally killed. The world must act,” he said, urging global attention towards the crisis.

The trilateral forum has emerged as a significant platform for enhancing regional cooperation and promoting shared interests among the three countries. Officials said that several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and joint declarations are expected to follow in the coming weeks.

While Pakistan has yet to officially confirm the investment details, government sources say talks are underway to finalise projects in infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors under the announced investment package.

The trilateral summit is part of broader efforts to expand strategic partnerships, particularly as geopolitical alignments continue to evolve in the region.