Pakistan and Azerbaijan are strengthening their bilateral relationship within a broader Pakistan–Turkiye–Azerbaijan trilateral framework, President Ilham Aliyev said during a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Baku on Sunday.
According to a statement from the Azerbaijani presidency, Aliyev highlighted that relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are currently advancing through cooperation involving all three countries. The meeting took place during CM Maryam’s three-day visit to Azerbaijan, where she is representing Pakistan at the 13th UN World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Both sides, the statement said, praised the growing “fraternal relations and strategic partnership” between Islamabad and Baku. Discussions covered cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic, defence, and other sectors, along with the potential for expanding trade and interregional collaboration.
The statement also noted that Pakistan has adopted elements of Azerbaijan’s “ASAN Khidmet” public service model, with centres established in the country.
CM Maryam Nawaz thanked President Aliyev for the invitation to WUF13 and praised the event’s organisation. She also highlighted Baku as an example of “harmony between culture and modern urban planning” and said she was honoured to participate in the global forum.
During her visit, she also paid respects at the grave of Azerbaijan’s founding leader, Heydar Aliyev, according to the presidency statement.
Maryam conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to President Aliyev, who reciprocated by sending his own regards. The Azerbaijani president also recalled the historic friendly ties between Heydar Aliyev and Nawaz Sharif.
The PML-N shared a video of the meeting, quoting Maryam as saying that Pakistan’s strategic location and nuclear status play an important role in maintaining regional balance.
Separately, Pakistan’s state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported that Aliyev praised Pakistan’s role in regional peace mediation and commended the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team.
Maryam also said the prime minister’s efforts for economic progress were essential for stability and development in Pakistan. Her delegation included Ali Mustafa Dar, adviser on artificial intelligence and special initiatives.
CM Maryam is also scheduled to address the UN World Urban Forum Leaders Summit and present Pakistan’s vision for inclusive and resilient cities. She will inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion, showcasing Punjab’s housing initiative “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar,” which officials say has approved around 160,000 loans, with over 100,000 families already moving into homes.
Earlier, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a phone call ahead of the forum, reaffirming close bilateral ties and agreeing to maintain regular contact in the future.
