Islamabad: Pakistan and Azerbaijan have pledged to further strengthen and diversify the scope of their existing bilateral defence relationship. This commitment was made during a meeting between Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces, Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the visit of the Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces is expected to further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries in general, and their navies in particular. During the meeting, both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, the regional maritime security situation, and avenues for enhanced cooperation in training and defence.

A briefing was also provided to the visiting dignitary on Pakistan Navy's ongoing projects. Pakistan and Azerbaijan have longstanding brotherly relations marked by close naval cooperation. Earlier, upon arrival at the Naval Headquarters, the Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy presented a Guard of Honour.

The Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces also laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada's Monument, further symbolizing the deep-rooted relations between the two nations.