Pakistan and Azerbaijan share a profound relationship, often known as a “brotherly bond,” built on mutual regard, confidence, and mutual interests. The outstanding relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan date back to the early 1990s when Pakistan became one of the first countries to accept, acknowledge, and recognize Azerbaijan after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since then, Pakistan and Azerbaijan have, on multiple occasions, supported each other on various international forums. Pakistan has extended its full support to Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute and its other territorial issues and disputes, while Azerbaijan has always supported Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. Just a few days ago, I was shared with a very well-executed documentary on Kashmir made by one of the top journalists of Baku, Anastasia Lavrina.
The recent visit of The Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, to Azerbaijan on February 23, 2025, is considered a significant turning point in this well-developed relationship. The visit came at the invitation of Azerbaijan’s President, H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and was a remarkable occasion for leading talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Sharif was graciously received by Azerbaijan’s key government officials, including the first Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Yakub Eyyubov, and the deputy foreign minister, Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, before being greeted by H.E. President Ilham Aliyev himself.
During their meetings, both leaders exchanged their views on different segments of bilateral cooperation, stressing energy, trade, and defense. One of the key points of the talks was the desire for a remarkable increase in trade between the two countries. Currently valued at just $20 million, Azerbaijan has set an aspiring goal of raising this figure to $2 billion. To help in facilitating this kind of target, Azerbaijan has already instituted the Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, and H.E. Prime Minister Sharif is keen to do the same in Azerbaijan
Moreover, Azerbaijan announced its intention to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s economy, specifically centering on the energy and infrastructure domains. To channel these investments, an information bureau is likely to be built, further promoting cooperation and making the investment process well organized. The Prime Minister of Pakistan warmly welcomed these initiatives, underscoring such investments to be mutually beneficial for both sides.
In the area of defense, Pakistan and Azerbaijan have already taken major steps toward strengthening cooperation. One of the most notable developments was Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan. Both countries have also been focusing on joint production of defense-related equipment, as Pakistan sees Azerbaijan as an important defense and strategic partner in the region. Moreover, H.E. President Ilham Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the progress in this area of defense and strategic partnership with the brotherly country, Pakistan.
Moreover, the bilateral talks included promoting connectivity through transportation corridors, such as the north-south and east-west routes. The significance of the Gwadar Port in Pakistan was also highlighted, as it is seen as a strategically important asset that can add tremendous value to the region’s economic integration.
The previous visit of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev to Islamabad in 2024 had already laid the foundation for further strengthening ties, with both countries signing 15 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) covering various areas such as trade, tourism, culture, and defense. The fields of science and technology were also part of the discussions, with both sides acknowledging the need to deepen cooperation in these sectors.
The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Azerbaijan grew to 22.5% in 2024, reaching around $22 million. Furthermore, Pakistan’s exports to Azerbaijan increased to 8.6%, culminating in the increasing trade volumes between the two countries. More than 3,000 active Pakistani companies are registered in Azerbaijan in the domains of sas trade, construction, and services. These companies play an important part in the country’s economy and can further demonstrate the potential for bilateral economic collaboration.
Besides this, on a local level, the current Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan, H.E. Qasim Mohiuddin, has been making efforts to encourage closer interactions between the business sectors here. A positive development in this direction was the meeting held between the stock exchanges of the two countries. Azerbaijan’s media has played a remarkable part in contributing to Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and in raising global consciousness about the region’s predicament. Anastasia Lavirna, one of the top journalists of Azerbaijan, made a documentary on Kashmir. Her recent visit to Kashmir provided insight into the situation and showcased the reality of Kashmir to the world.
Both Azerbaijan and Pakistan are gifted with massive possibilities for extensive cooperation and exploration of common opportunities in their relations. With mutual interests and strategic alignment, there is a great opportunity for further strengthening relations in all possible domains in the future.
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Sheraz Mehmood Khan is a Research Scholar and a candidate for a PhD in International Relations at Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan.