A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, reaffirming the strong strategic partnership and longstanding brotherly ties between the two nations. The discussions focused on mutual support for each country’s stance on significant regional and international issues, deepening parliamentary exchanges, and expanding economic connectivity.
During the meeting, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed sincere gratitude for the warm welcome extended by President Aliyev, declaring Pakistan’s steadfast and unwavering support for Azerbaijan. He praised Azerbaijan’s principled stand and courageous positions on vital global and regional matters, notably its consistent support for Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and its clear stance regarding India’s tensions with Pakistan. Additionally, he commended Azerbaijan for advocating strongly for justice and international law during recent crises in Gaza and the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.
President Ilham Aliyev, emphasizing the exemplary nature of bilateral ties, highlighted that the relationship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan is rooted deeply in mutual support, solidarity, and fraternal bonds. President Aliyev fondly recalled Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Azerbaijan, especially his meaningful participation in the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in Khankendi. He expressed confidence that the current parliamentary delegation’s visit will further enhance bilateral ties, deepen cooperation, and enhance the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq stressed the crucial significance of robust inter-parliamentary relations, citing the long history of mutual support both countries have provided each other during difficult periods as well as moments of achievement. He referred specifically to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s symbolic visit to the liberated territories in Azerbaijan, which conveyed a powerful message of solidarity to the international community. Underlining Pakistan’s commitment, Speaker Sadiq recounted two landmark resolutions unanimously passed by Pakistan’s National Assembly during his tenure—one condemning Armenian aggression and violence against Azerbaijani civilians and territorial integrity, and a subsequent resolution congratulating Azerbaijan upon its territorial liberation.
The Speaker also congratulated President Aliyev on successfully hosting the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, noting its considerable diplomatic significance. He praised Azerbaijan’s extensive rehabilitation, reconstruction, and rebuilding efforts in the liberated areas, particularly Nagorno-Karabakh. He recognized these initiatives as vital for regional stability, economic rejuvenation, and enduring peace.
Highlighting further possibilities, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq emphasized the strategic benefits of enhancing connectivity through improved road networks and direct air links between the two countries. He noted that the launch of direct flights has already significantly facilitated easier travel, thereby promoting trade, tourism, and increased collaboration.
President Aliyev welcomed the consistent and meaningful cooperation between the parliamentary delegations of Azerbaijan and Pakistan in international forums. He encouraged further enhancement of inter-parliamentary relations and the strengthening of institutional ties between the legislative bodies of both countries.
In conclusion, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq pointed out that the delegation included representatives from both the ruling party and opposition, underscoring Pakistan’s bipartisan unity and consensus in support of Azerbaijan. Delegation members attending the meeting included MNAs Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar, Chaudhary Iftikhar Nazir, Mr. Sadiq Iftikhar, Mr. Umair Khan Niazi, Mr. Muhammad Moin Aamer Pirzada, and Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bhugio.
