Islamabad, July 22, 2026: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday bid farewell to Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, at Parliament House, praising his significant contribution to deepening the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, Gilani commended Ambassador Farhadov for his dedicated efforts in expanding political, parliamentary, economic and people-to-people relations during his tenure. He said the ambassador’s proactive engagement had further strengthened the historic friendship between the two countries, which is rooted in mutual trust, shared values and consistent support for each other on issues of national importance.
The chairman expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in high-level exchanges, referring to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s landmark visit to Pakistan and the subsequent visits of Pakistan’s prime minister to Baku, which he said had elevated bilateral relations to new heights.
Highlighting parliamentary diplomacy, Gilani recalled his own visits to Baku and stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between parliamentary committees and friendship groups. He also conveyed his best wishes to Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova.
Gilani welcomed the positive trajectory in bilateral trade and investment, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to achieving the agreed target of US$2 billion in Azerbaijani investment. He appreciated Azerbaijan’s decision to waive import duties on Pakistani rice until 2027 and emphasized the need to further expand cooperation in energy, information technology, agriculture, healthcare, artificial intelligence, innovation and tourism.
He also welcomed the launch of direct flights and the ASAN visa programme, describing both initiatives as important steps toward promoting tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Gilani thanked Baku for its consistent backing of Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He noted that the relationship between the two countries extends beyond strategic interests and is reinforced by deep historical and cultural links, including the historic Multani Caravanserai in Baku.
Ambassador Farhadov thanked the chairman for the warm sentiments and hospitality extended to him during his diplomatic assignment and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to further strengthening its multifaceted partnership with Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Senator Kazim Ali Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Senate; Syed Raza Ali Gillani, MNA and Chairman of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the National Assembly; Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar; Adviser to the Chairman Senate Misbah Khar; and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Board of Governors Chairman Syed Qamar Raza.
