Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has observed that Pakistan places its bilateral relations Azerbaijan at high esteem and desires to further expand the mutual beneficial ties in diverse sectors. He expressed these views in a meeting with Speaker of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, in Islamabad. The two dignitaries held detailed discussions on bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, trade, investment, and the promotion of regional connectivity.
Chairman Senate stated that Pakistan attaches great value to its fraternal relations with Azerbaijan. He said that the friendship between the two countries is founded on mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to common development. He added that in a short span of time, both countries have established exemplary relations that serve as a model for others. The high-level engagements between the two sides reflect their mutual desire to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations.
Chairman Senate expressed hope that the upcoming visit of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan will further strengthen the foundation of brotherly ties between the two nations. He also expressed satisfaction that institutional linkages between the two countries are being held on a regular basis.
Highlighting the growing parliamentary cooperation, the Chairman Senate noted with satisfaction that relations between the parliaments of Pakistan and Azerbaijan have become stronger. Chairman Senate also recalled his visit to Azerbaijan in which he participated in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) meeting held in Baku in February 2025.
The Chairman Senate further stated that the contacts between the parliamentary friendship groups of both countries are also growing, which will contribute to strengthening people-to-people relations. He also informed the Speaker of Azerbaijan about the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November and extended a formal invitation to her. The Speaker of Azerbaijan thanked the Chairman Senate and underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation through sustained engagement.
Discussing economic and investment cooperation, the Chairman Senate said that Pakistan views Azerbaijan as an important investment partner. Referring to trade relations, he noted that although trade between the two countries has increased, there is still ample room for further improvement.
On the subject of regional connectivity, the Chairman Senate emphasized that Pakistan accords high priority to promoting peace and prosperity in the region. He said Pakistan can serve as a natural bridge between Central and South Asia for the establishment of trade routes. He further stated that there exists vast potential to enhance cooperation in the field of tourism as well.
In his concluding remarks, the Chairman Senate expressed confidence that relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan will continue to grow stronger with time. Extending an invitation to the leadership of Azerbaijan to visit Pakistan, he said that Pakistan looks forward to warmly welcoming President Ilham Aliyev.