Pakistan is actively seeking to expand its economic partnership with Azerbaijan, pushing for increased investment and new trade avenues ahead of an anticipated visit by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani revealed on Tuesday. The call for deeper financial collaboration was a central theme during high-level discussions aimed at bolstering the strategic relationship between the two nations.
The remarks were made during a meeting between Chairman Gilani and the visiting Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, at the Parliament House. According to a statement from the Senate, the dialogue covered a wide range of topics including bilateral ties, parliamentary engagement, trade, and regional connectivity.
Mr. Gilani underscored that Pakistan attaches great significance to its fraternal relationship with Azerbaijan, describing the bond as one founded on mutual trust, respect, and shared development goals. He noted that the frequent high-level interactions between the two countries reflect a joint commitment to fortifying their exemplary relations.
The Senate Chairman expressed optimism that the forthcoming visit of President Ilham Aliyev would further solidify the foundation of this brotherly connection. He also conveyed his satisfaction with the regular institutional linkages that have been established between the two states.
Highlighting the growing collaboration between the legislative bodies, Mr. Gilani pointed to strengthening ties between the two parliaments. He recalled his own participation in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) held in Baku in February 2025 and stressed the importance of parliamentary friendship groups in fostering crucial people-to-people contacts.
In the spirit of continued parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Gilani formally invited Ms. Gafarova to attend the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, which is scheduled to be hosted in Islamabad in November 2025. Ms. Gafarova accepted the gesture and reaffirmed her country’s dedication to enhancing bilateral engagement through sustained dialogue.
On the economic front, Mr. Gilani identified Azerbaijan as a key investment partner, acknowledging that while trade volumes have risen, there remains substantial potential for expansion. He urged the exploration of new opportunities in investment, tourism, and connectivity, proposing that Pakistan could serve as a “natural bridge” connecting Central and South Asia to promote trade and regional prosperity.
Concluding the meeting, the Chairman expressed confidence that the relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan will continue to grow, extending a warm invitation to the Azerbaijani leadership for the president’s upcoming visit.