Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended a reception at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Islamabad to mark the 5th Anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day, joining Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, members of the diplomatic corps and distinguished guests in paying tribute to the milestone.
Gilani extended warm felicitations to the Government and people of Azerbaijan, saying the anniversary is a source of pride for those who value courage, unity and justice. He described the Victory Day as a proud chapter in Azerbaijan’s modern history that reflects the resilience and indomitable spirit of its people.
The Acting President noted that the day underscores Azerbaijan’s reaffirmation of sovereignty and dignity under leadership that converted determination into achievement. He praised President Ilham Aliyev and Speaker Sahiba Gafarova as trusted partners of Pakistan and recalled his recent visits to Baku, speaking of the warmth and affection he received and describing the city as a home away from home.
Highlighting the deep civilizational roots of the relationship, Gilani cited the 14th-century Multani Caravanserai in Baku as a living symbol of centuries-old socio-economic and cultural ties, emphasizing that Pakistan Azerbaijan ties rest on historical people-to-people connections as much as strategic interests.
He underlined the pivotal role of parliamentary diplomacy and the ongoing collaboration between the Senate of Pakistan and the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, saying institutional engagement has helped broaden cooperation. Gilani noted that bilateral relations have expanded across trade, energy, defense and education, reflecting a partnership that is both strategic and fraternal.
Paying tribute to Azerbaijan’s progress and resilience, the Acting President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work closely with Azerbaijan for a more stable and prosperous region and thanked Ambassador Khazar Farhadov for his efforts to strengthen and diversify bilateral cooperation. He concluded by celebrating the unbreakable friendship between the two nations and proclaimed, “Long Live Pakistan-Azerbaijan Friendship,” to applause from the audience.
