In a significant diplomatic exchange reinforcing mutual solidarity, Pakistan’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, led a parliamentary delegation to meet President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ mutual support on critical regional and global issues, further emphasizing the importance of enhanced bilateral cooperation and inter-parliamentary engagement.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome provided by President Ilham Aliyev and reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for Azerbaijan on key geopolitical matters. He commended Azerbaijan’s principled stance on a variety of regional and international situations, particularly acknowledging its unshakable backing of Pakistan regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s courageous and clear positions on recent tensions with India, as well as on the situation in Gaza and the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, appreciating its commitment to justice and international law.
President Ilham Aliyev praised the outstanding level of Azerbaijan-Pakistan bilateral ties, describing the relationship as built upon fraternal connections, mutual aid, and unwavering solidarity. He fondly recalled the recent participation of Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Khankendi, where both countries engaged in extensive discussions on various bilateral matters. President Aliyev expressed optimism that the ongoing visit of the Pakistani parliamentary delegation would further deepen collaboration and fortify the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations.
Highlighting the critical role of parliamentary diplomacy, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries had remained consistently strong, manifesting their unity during both difficult periods and celebratory occasions. He specifically referred to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s symbolic visit to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories along with other heads of state as a powerful demonstration of unity and international solidarity. Additionally, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq recalled two significant parliamentary resolutions unanimously approved by Pakistan’s National Assembly—one strongly condemning Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan and its attacks on Azerbaijani civilians and military forces in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the second reaffirming Pakistan’s continued support after Azerbaijan’s subsequent victory and the liberation of its territories.
Furthermore, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on successfully hosting the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, recognizing its significant diplomatic and political impact. He lauded Azerbaijan’s extensive reconstruction and restoration initiatives, particularly noting progress in Nagorno-Karabakh and recognizing their vital role in regional stability, economic rejuvenation, and sustainable development.
The Pakistani Speaker additionally drew attention to growing connectivity ties, highlighting improved road infrastructure and the recently established direct flight services. He stressed that these improvements would greatly facilitate people-to-people contact and significantly boost bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.
President Aliyev warmly welcomed continued mutual backing displayed by the parliamentary delegations of both countries in various international parliamentary platforms. Stressing the value of inter-parliamentary cooperation, he emphasized the necessity of further developing institutional ties between the legislative bodies of Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
A noteworthy aspect of the Pakistani delegation led by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was its cross-party nature, including members from both the ruling party and opposition, underscoring the unified political consensus in Pakistan regarding firm support for Azerbaijan. Members of the delegation accompanying Speaker Ayaz Sadiq included MNAs Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Muhammad Afzal Khokhar, Chaudhary Iftikhar Nazir, Sadiq Iftikhar, Umair Khan Niazi, Muhammad Moin Aamer Pirzada, and Nazir Ahmed Bhugio.
