ISLAMABAD, Monday, October 13, 2025 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday emphasized the need to strengthen trilateral economic cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan to advance regional connectivity, trade, and prosperity.

He made these remarks during a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr with Dr. Numan Kurtulmus, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, and Sahiba Gafarova, Chairperson of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan. Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was also present.

Welcoming the visiting dignitaries, President Zardari said Pakistan attaches great importance to its deep-rooted and brotherly ties with Türkiye and Azerbaijan — relationships built on shared faith, mutual trust, and a collective vision for peace and progress in the region.

He congratulated the parliamentary leaders on the successful conclusion of the Third Trilateral Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad, describing it as a testament to the growing strength of legislative cooperation among the three nations.

Highlighting the vast potential for economic expansion, the president urged greater collaboration in trade, investment, and connectivity projects. He underscored the significance of regional transport corridors such as the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad (ITI) Railway and the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) in facilitating commerce and deepening economic integration across Eurasia.

President Zardari appreciated Türkiye’s increasing engagement with Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and announced that one of the upcoming zones would be named the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Special Industrial Zone, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing strategic cooperation with Azerbaijan, praising the exemplary partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations for regional stability and development.

During the meeting, Azerbaijani Speaker Sahiba Gafarova conveyed greetings from her country’s leadership and invited Pakistani lawmakers to visit Baku to explore avenues of cooperation, particularly in addressing climate challenges.

President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with Türkiye and Azerbaijan to promote peace, stability, and inclusive growth in the region.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu, and Azerbaijani Ambassador Khazar Farhadov also attended the meeting.