ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are exemplary, rooted in mutual trust, brotherhood, and shared interests. The leadership of both countries — President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — are committed to further strengthening these ties. This was stated by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Khazar Farhadov, during his visit to the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce.
Present on the occasion were United Business Group (UBG) Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari, Chairman of the Azerbaijan -Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, former President of Chakwal Chamber Waqar Bakhtawari, Adeel Butt, President of Azerbaijan Trade House in Lahore, connected to Azerbaijan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Islamabad along with other notable business personalities.
Ambassador Farhadov emphasized that the role of the private sector is crucial in elevating economic and trade cooperation between the two countries to new heights. Azerbaijan not only welcomes Pakistani traders and investors but also offers them market access, facilitation, and excellent investment opportunities. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has visited Azerbaijan four times in recent months, and Field Marshal Asim Munir has also held significant meetings — a reflection of the deep strategic ties between the two nations.
The Ambassador further highlighted the increase in air connectivity between the two countries as a positive development — with four weekly flights from Lahore and two from Islamabad — which will enhance people-to-people and commercial exchanges.
During the meeting, it was also agreed to establish a joint trade company to promote imports, exports, and joint business ventures between the two nations. This initiative will help strengthen industrial linkages and increase the volume of bilateral trade.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari stated that he plans to visit Baku in August, while Zafar Bakhtawari will lead a high-level trade delegation in September to explore practical avenues of collaboration in potential sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, Adeel Butt shared that during his stay in Azerbaijan, he closely observed various trade opportunities and saw open doors for cooperation in key sectors such as road trade, logistics, energy, agriculture, information technology, tourism, and textiles. He emphasized that partnerships in these areas will not only strengthen trade ties but also open new chapters of friendship between the two countries. He further stressed that there is significant potential for Pakistani products in the Azerbaijani market, which, if leveraged properly, can lead to a substantial increase in exports.
Waqar Bakhtawari appreciated the efforts of the Azerbaijan -Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, describing it as an economic bridge between the two countries. He also thanked Ambassador Farhadov for his keen interest in fostering bilateral trade and cultural relations.
