During the meeting in Islamabad, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif underscored the deep-rooted friendship between their countries and committed to supporting each other on critical issues.
In his address, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the longstanding solidarity between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, noting that despite speaking different languages and residing far apart, the nations share a profound connection. “Our hearts beat together,” Sharif declared. “We speak together although in different languages, we think together and we stand together on all issues pertaining to our bilateral and multilateral relations.”
Sharif praised Azerbaijan for its unwavering support of Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. He acknowledged Azerbaijan’s consistent backing, along with that of Turkey and other Middle Eastern nations, in advocating for Kashmiri self-determination in line with UN Security Council resolutions. “Pakistan has always stood by your cause over these decades,” Sharif said. “Azerbaijan has been one friendly, brotherly country that has supported the cause of Kashmiris.”
In response, President Aliyev emphasized the strength of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. “We are brothers, we are friends. We support each other on every issue, in every international case, and in every international institution,” Aliyev stated. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to standing alongside Pakistan on the Jammu and Kashmir issue, reinforcing the support for international law and justice. “Our straightforward support on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is our commitment to our brotherhood and also our respect for international law,” Aliyev said. He criticized the lack of implementation mechanisms for UN Security Council resolutions but assured that Azerbaijan would continue to stand with Pakistan and Kashmiris.
Aliyev also reflected on the support Pakistan provided during Azerbaijan’s conflict over Karabakh, noting the solidarity shown during the Second Karabakh War. “Political support and straightforward statements from high-ranking officials of Pakistan gave us additional power and strength,” Aliyev said. He recalled that during Azerbaijan’s victory celebrations in November 2020, flags of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey were proudly displayed.
The meeting underscored the robust and supportive relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to each other’s causes on the international stage.
