The Prime Minister’s Office of Pakistan announced on Thursday that after a two-day visit from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Azerbaijan has consented to initiate deliveries of LNG cargoes to Pakistan at reduced prices starting from the upcoming month.
The office informed that Prime Minister Sharif and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made this decision during a meeting at the Zagulba Palace. They agreed on the monthly delivery of one cargo to Pakistan at concessional rates.
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Following their bilateral talks, both leaders announced at a joint press briefing that Azerbaijan Airlines will begin services between Islamabad and Baku. The airline will also provide a weekly flight to Karachi.
Moreover, the two countries agreed to increase military exercises and explore opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as energy, investment, and education.
During their discussion, Prime Minister Sharif notified President Aliyev about the federal cabinet’s approval of the LNG deal with Azerbaijan. A collaboration between Pakistan State Oil and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic has been planned to sort out energy resources.
Regarding Pakistani rice imports to Azerbaijan, the two nations agreed on a detailed mechanism for duty exemption.
Prime Minister Sharif thanked Azerbaijan for steadfastly supporting the Kashmiri people’s rights. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and lauded the bravery of Azerbaijani forces.
The Prime Minister invited President Aliyev to visit Pakistan and anticipated the upcoming visits by Azerbaijani economic, aviation, and energy ministers to explore cooperation in different sectors.
President Aliyev commented that their agreement to increase the number of military exercises reflects the high importance of military capability amidst changing circumstances. He underscored that robust military capacity is vital for ensuring independence and territorial integrity, citing Azerbaijan’s successful liberation of the Karabakh region through military power rather than dialogue.
