Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Visit to Azerbaijan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently held a significant meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, at the Presidential Palace. This encounter was attended by key figures including the Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, reflecting the deepening relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to President Aliyev for inviting him to attend Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations. These events mark the country’s historic victory in the 44-day Karabakh Liberation War against Armenia. The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement highlighting this gesture of appreciation.
The Prime Minister extended warm felicitations to the government and people of Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the nation’s victory serves as a ‘beacon of hope for all oppressed peoples striving for self-determination.’ He specifically mentioned the struggles of those in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, drawing parallels between their situations and Azerbaijan’s triumph.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The two leaders engaged in detailed discussions on the full spectrum of bilateral ties, agreeing to enhance cooperation across various sectors such as politics, trade and investment, energy, connectivity, and defense. This commitment to multi-dimensional collaboration underscores the strategic importance of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan relationship.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended an invitation to President Ilham Aliyev to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, which was graciously accepted by the Azerbaijani leader. This gesture reflects the mutual respect and desire for closer ties between the two nations.
President Aliyev acknowledged the progress made in the South Caucasus and praised the Prime Minister’s leadership. He also highlighted the significance of the landmark peace agreement signed with Armenia earlier this year, underscoring the positive developments in the region.
Acknowledging Support and Collaboration
In turn, President Aliyev thanked Pakistan for its unwavering support during Azerbaijan’s struggle to liberate the Karabakh region. He commended Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability in South Asia, recognizing the country’s contributions to international diplomacy.
Google’s Investment in Pakistan
In another significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the establishment of offices and investment by Google in Pakistan. In a statement, he highlighted the importance of the assembly line for Google products in Haripur, calling it a welcome development.
The Prime Minister emphasized that international IT companies like Google are expressing confidence in the government’s policies aimed at promoting ease of doing business and investment in Pakistan. He noted that local manufacturing of IT products would make them more affordable for Pakistani consumers and contribute to the country’s foreign exchange earnings through exports.
Focusing on Digital Development
Making Pakistan a digital nation has been a top priority for the government. The Prime Minister stated that efforts are underway to empower youth in the IT sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google for IT training is part of these initiatives.
The government is providing laptops to one hundred thousand talented youth to equip them with resources for progress in the IT sector. Additionally, IT training programs for youth and women continue across the country, aiming to enhance their competitiveness in the international service industry and promote financial self-sufficiency.
The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to position Pakistan as a hub of information technology in the region. He commended the Federal Minister for Information Technology and her team for their contributions to the development of the IT sector in the country.
Arrival in Baku
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Baku to attend the Victory Day ceremony of Azerbaijan at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar accompanied the Prime Minister.
Upon arrival at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, the Prime Minister was received by high-ranking officials including First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov, First Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Razayev, Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin, and diplomatic staff.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, further strengthening the bonds between the two nations.