Islamabad, October 10,2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday, reaffirming the longstanding bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and underscoring the need to strengthen bilateral economic and commercial cooperation.
During the conversation, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep-rooted strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, based on mutual trust and steadfast support on matters of core national interest.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation and agreed to translate their strong political understanding and goodwill into a more robust economic, investment and commercial partnership.
They also reviewed progress on ongoing bilateral initiatives, expressing particular satisfaction over the successful operationalization of the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, modeled on Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet service delivery system.
Describing the initiative as a practical example of the benefits of bilateral cooperation for the people of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif requested Azerbaijan’s support for expanding the Asaan Khidmat network across the country.
President Aliyev agreed to extend Azerbaijan’s full support and expertise for the initiative. The prime minister thanked the Azerbaijani president, saying the gesture reflected Azerbaijan’s enduring friendship and solidarity with Pakistan.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the evolving regional and international situation and emphasized the importance of continued consultations and close coordination on matters of mutual interest.
The prime minister briefed President Aliyev on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and constructive efforts to promote peace, dialogue and de-escalation in the region.
President Aliyev appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and mediation, acknowledging their importance for regional peace and stability.
The conversation concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to working closely together to transform the strategic partnership into a lasting relationship of shared progress, prosperity and mutual benefit for the peoples of Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
