ISLAMABAD, MAY 12 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call today with H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
During their most warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders exchanged greetings and reaffirmed the strong fraternal bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to President Aliyev for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum to be held in Baku next week. He expressed confidence that the Forum, under Azerbaijan’s stewardship, would serve as a valuable platform for advancing the global urban development agenda. He noted that, most regrettably, pressing commitments would preclude his personal attendance at the event, but he had ensured that Pakistan would be well-represented at the Forum.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, while reiterating their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across areas of mutual interest including trade and investment, energy, and people-to-people contacts.
They also discussed regional developments of common concern, particularly the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East.
President Aliyev expressed his deep appreciation at Pakistan’s remarkably successful initiatives to bring about a ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. This was a clear reflection of the trust and confidence of the international community in Pakistan and its leadership.
The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact, and looked forward to their meeting, in person, later this year. The Prime Minister also reiterated his cordial invitation to President Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, at his earliest convenience.
