ISLAMABAD, Thursday, May 22, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan and Azerbaijan on Thursday reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the energy sector, as Islamabad lauded Baku’s unwavering support during its recent conflict with India.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, to discuss expanding cooperation in oil and gas exploration, energy trade, and investment. The meeting underscored the shared commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.
“Pakistan is deeply grateful to its brotherly nations for standing by it in difficult times,” Minister Malik stated, expressing appreciation for Azerbaijan’s solidarity during the recent escalation with India. He conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s high regard for Azerbaijan’s consistent support and emphasized the importance of translating diplomatic goodwill into economic gains.
Ambassador Farhadov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s desire to expand ties with Pakistan, noting both countries’ shared vision for regional development. “We greatly value our historic friendship and are committed to transforming it into a robust economic partnership,” he said.
The minister also announced his participation in the upcoming Baku Energy Week, where he will represent Pakistan and explore avenues for foreign investment and sustainable energy collaborations. He confirmed that Azerbaijan’s state-run company, SOCAR Upstream, is in talks with Pakistani stakeholders for potential joint ventures in the energy sector.
Both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations on joint projects, expressing optimism about initiatives that could boost energy security and economic interdependence.
Strong political support amid Indian boycott campaign
In a parallel show of solidarity, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan visited the Azerbaijan Embassy in Islamabad earlier this week, where he condemned India’s recent retaliatory actions against Azerbaijan for siding with Pakistan.
“Thank you for standing with Pakistan once again,” said Minister Aleem Khan, referring to India’s reported cancellation of tourist visas and the launch of a negative social media campaign targeting Azerbaijan. He described India’s behavior as a reflection of “frustration,” adding, “Azerbaijan is being targeted solely for its principled friendship with Pakistan.”
Ambassador Farhadov noted that Azerbaijan’s position during the Pakistan-India standoff was based on moral grounds and mutual respect. “The people of Azerbaijan celebrated Pakistan’s success on May 10 with great enthusiasm,” he shared, while denouncing India’s use of its film industry to propagate anti-Azerbaijan sentiment.
The visit concluded with an exchange of flowers and warm gestures, symbolizing the deepening friendship between the two nations. Minister Aleem Khan also revealed plans for direct flights between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and announced the establishment of an Islamabad Chamber of Commerce for Azerbaijan to facilitate trade and people-to-people exchanges.
Anti-corruption cooperation in the pipeline
Meanwhile in Baku, Pakistan and Azerbaijan are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost bilateral cooperation in combating corruption. Speaking at the 6th Plenary Meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), NAB Deputy Chairman Sohail Nasir emphasized the importance of international collaboration.
“Pakistan and Azerbaijan are ready to work shoulder to shoulder in tackling corruption and money laundering,” Nasir said. He outlined plans for joint initiatives including seminars, training programs, and knowledge exchanges aimed at promoting transparency and accountability.
Nasir praised Azerbaijan’s role as host of the global anti-corruption forum, expressing Pakistan’s willingness to provide full support in the fight against financial crime.
