Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Trkiye and Azerbaijan to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. He was talking to Speaker Grand National Assembly of Trkiye Dr. Numan Kurtulmus and Chairperson Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova, who called on him in Islamabad today. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was also present during the meeting.
According to Radio Pakistan, welcoming the visiting dignitaries, Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan deeply values its close and brotherly ties with both Trkiye and Azerbaijan. He said these enduring partnerships are rooted in shared faith, mutual trust, and a collective aspiration for regional peace and prosperity. The President congratulated the Speakers on the successful conclusion of the Third Trilateral Speakers’ Conference, noting that such engagements reflect the growing strength of parliamentary cooperation among Pakistan, Trkiye, and Azerbaijan.
Sahiba Gafarova conveyed greetings and best wishes from the leadership of Azerbaijan to President Asif Ali Zardari. She informed the President that the first meeting of the Trilateral Speakers’ Conference was held in Azerbaijan, the second in Trkiye, and the third is now taking place in Pakistan. The Speaker of the Milli Majlis also invited Pakistani parliamentarians to visit Baku to explore avenues of cooperation, particularly in addressing challenges related to climate change.
The President said Pakistan’s relations with Trkiye continue to grow across political, economic, defence, and security spheres. He appreciated Trkiye’s support for Pakistan, including its backing for Pakistan’s candidature to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026-2028. On economic collaboration, Asif Ali Zardari called for greater efforts to expand bilateral trade and investment, observing that current trade volumes have potential for growth. He welcomed Trkiye’s interest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and shared that one of the upcoming zones would be named as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Special Industrial Zone as a tribute to the friendship between the two nations.
Talking to Sahiba Gafarova about relations with Azerbaijan, the President said Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy exemplary relations based on mutual respect and strategic understanding. He also underlined the importance of joint efforts to promote connectivity through initiatives such as the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad Railway Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, which he said could play a key role in boosting regional trade and linkages.