Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan on Friday for a two-day official visit, where he received a warm reception at Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport. During his stay, the Pakistani leader will meet President Ilham Aliyev and take part in events marking the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day.
Official welcome and key meetings
Prime Minister Sharif was greeted with a ceremonial welcome that included a guard of honour and the playing of national anthems of both nations. His visit’s primary focus is on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across trade, energy, and regional connectivity.
Sharif is scheduled to hold detailed talks with President Ilham Aliyev and senior Azerbaijani officials to discuss joint initiatives and regional developments. He will also attend the Victory Day commemoration—known locally as “Youm-e-Fatah” which celebrates Azerbaijan’s success in reclaiming territories during the 44-day Patriotic War.
Building on earlier visits
This marks another step in the growing partnership between Islamabad and Baku. Prime Minister Sharif previously visited Azerbaijan in February 2025 on President Aliyev’s invitation and again in July 2025 to attend the 17th ECO Summit in Fuzuli. Both trips focused on expanding cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and defence.
These earlier visits helped pave the way for new economic and diplomatic initiatives between the two countries, strengthening their already close political ties.
Victory Day significance
Azerbaijan’s Victory Day holds national importance, commemorating the end of the 2020 conflict and the restoration of control over several territories. By attending the ceremonies, Shehbaz Sharif aims to reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Strengthening regional ties
Officials in both capitals expect the latest visit to lead to new agreements in areas such as energy collaboration, defence production, and investment. The discussions are also expected to touch on regional stability and economic corridors linking South and Central Asia.
As the visit concludes, both governments are likely to announce steps to further institutionalize their strategic cooperation. The trip underscores Pakistan’s efforts to broaden its partnerships, while Azerbaijan continues to enhance its economic and diplomatic reach in South Asia.
