Islamabad
A meeting of selected members of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) was held with H.E. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Islamabad.
The meeting was chaired by MNA Syed Raza Ali Gillani, Convener of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan PFG, and was attended by MNA Umair Khan Niazi, MNA Muhammad Ali Sarfraz, and MNA Rai Haider Ali Khan.
At the outset, the Convener extended heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Government, Parliament, and people of Pakistan to the Government, Parliament, and people of Azerbaijan for their unwavering support and solidarity with Pakistan, particularly during periods of regional tension and the recent escalation with India.
He acknowledged Azerbaijan’s principled and consistent stance on key issues concerning regional peace, justice, and Pakistan’s sovereignty, and appreciated Azerbaijan’s steadfast support at both bilateral and multilateral platforms. The Convener reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep respect for this time-tested brotherly relationship and expressed strong commitment to further strengthening parliamentary, diplomatic, and strategic cooperation.
Ambassador Farhadov briefed the delegation on recent initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral relations. Notably, he highlighted the establishment of the Azerbaijan Trade House in Lahore as a milestone effort to enhance trade and investment linkages between the two nations. He also highlighted the recently inaugurated of Azerbaijan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Islamabad, and the latest Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum held in Baku during the visit of honorable Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Mr. Khazar Farhadov briefed about the efforts, carried out for the implementation of the Air Services, and Transit Trade, and Preferential Trade Agreements. The Ambassador emphasized the potential for expanded business-to-business cooperation, proposing the facilitation of banking channels, product promotion strategies and the organization of trade exhibitions to advance economic connectivity.
In response, Convener Syed Raza Ali Gillani underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges, tourism promotion, and collaborative educational and training programs. He noted that parliamentary exchanges could play a pivotal role in promoting cultural, economic, and strategic cooperation.
The PFG members collectively agreed on the need to engage key national stakeholders to further these objectives. They proposed that upcoming meetings include representatives from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Ministries of Education, Finance, Interior, Commerce, and Tourism.
In conclusion, members of the group reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional stability, while reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Both sides expressed their strong desire to deepen bilateral relations, enhance institutional cooperation, and pursue a path toward mutual prosperity and economic collaboration.
