Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Islamabad’s proposal to establish a Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Investment Company with equal contributions from both countries. He was talking to Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov in Islamabad today. The Prime Minister also welcomed Azerbaijan’s interest in the White Oil Pipeline Project and encouraged SOCAR to explore upstream oil and gas opportunities in Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, on regional connectivity, both sides underscored the importance of enhancing linkages. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location as the shortest route to Afghanistan and Central Asia and acknowledged Azerbaijan’s vital role in initiatives such as the Trans-Caspian International Trade Corridor. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expanding the partnership, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to visit Pakistan.

During the talks, the two sides conducted an extensive review of bilateral trade and investment cooperation. While noting the consistent growth in bilateral trade, they agreed on the need to accelerate targeted efforts to diversify and deepen economic exchanges. The discussions covered a wide range of sectors including defence production, petroleum and minerals, infrastructure development, dairy and livestock, hospitality, and information technology.

The Azerbaijan Minister of Economy thanked the Government of Pakistan for its hospitality and expressed hope that ongoing engagements would culminate in the finalisation of the Roadmap on Cooperation in Commerce, Economy, Industry and Investment (2025-2028) between the two countries. It is pertinent to mention that Mikayil Jabbarov is leading a high level delegation on an official visit to Pakistan.