Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a key meeting with Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy, H.E. Mikayil Jabbarov, who is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Pakistan. The two sides conducted a comprehensive review of the growing bilateral trade and investment cooperation and agreed to fast-track efforts for deeper economic engagement.

During the talks, both countries highlighted the steady upward trajectory in bilateral trade and stressed the need to diversify economic exchanges. The discussions encompassed defence production, petroleum and minerals, infrastructure development, dairy and livestock, hospitality and tourism, and information technology.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's proposal to establish a Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Investment Company, with equal financial contributions from both sides, to expand long-term economic collaboration. He also welcomed Azerbaijan's interest in Pakistan's White Oil Pipeline Project and encouraged SOCAR to explore upstream oil and gas investment opportunities in the country.

On regional connectivity, both sides emphasized coordinated efforts to strengthen linkages. PM Shehbaz underscored Pakistan's strategic significance as the shortest route to Afghanistan and Central Asian republics, and lauded Azerbaijan's role in regional initiatives, particularly the Trans-Caspian International Trade Corridor.

Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to enhanced partnership, PM Shehbaz extended an invitation to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan. Minister Jabbarov expressed gratitude for Pakistan's hospitality and voiced optimism that ongoing consultations would soon finalize the Roadmap on Cooperation in Commerce, Economy, Industry and Investment (2025-2028).

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials.