President Ilham Aliyev Arrives in Pakistan

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan arrived in Pakistan today for a two-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Upon landing at Islamabad’s Nur Khan Airbase, President Aliyev received a ceremonial 21-gun salute, marking the commencement of his official trip.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally welcomed President Aliyev at the airbase, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The welcoming ceremony also included a touching gesture as two children presented President Aliyev with a bouquet of flowers.

Analyst Shaukat Piracha confirmed the positive reception of President Aliyev’s visit, noting its significance in bilateral relations.

During his stay from July 11 to July 12, President Aliyev is scheduled to hold crucial meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as outlined in a press release from the Foreign Office. Discussions between the two sides will encompass a wide range of mutual interests aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. Multiple agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit.

The visit underscores the robust cooperation and high-level dialogue between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, reflecting their shared commitment to strengthening ties across various sectors.

Recently, at the inaugural session of the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit held alongside the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed the establishment of tripartite institutional mechanisms, particularly in economic and investment domains, to bolster trilateral economic and commercial cooperation. He emphasized the deep-rooted cultural, historic, and religious bonds that bind Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye, highlighting their mutual respect and support on key issues.

President Aliyev’s visit is expected to further fortify the fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, marking a new chapter in their enduring partnership.