Gilani lauds outgoing Azerbaijan envoy's role in strengthening bilateral ties

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday appreciated Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov for his dedicated efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand political, parliamentary, economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries during his tenure

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jul, 2026) Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday appreciated Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov for his dedicated efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand political, parliamentary, economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries during his tenure.

Bidding farewell to Ambassador Farhadov at Parliament House, the chairman commended his outstanding contribution to further strengthening the historic, brotherly and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

He said Ambassador Farhadov's proactive engagement had significantly reinforced the enduring friendship between the two countries, founded on mutual trust, shared values and steadfast support for each other on issues of national importance.

The Chairman Senate expressed satisfaction over the unprecedented momentum in high-level exchanges between the leadership of both countries, including the landmark visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan's subsequent visits to Baku.

He said these engagements had elevated bilateral relations to new heights.

Recalling his own visits to Baku, the Chairman of the Senate highlighted the growing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening exchanges between parliamentary committees and Parliamentary Friendship Groups, noting that parliamentary diplomacy remains a key pillar of bilateral relations.

He also conveyed his best wishes to the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova.

The Chairman Senate welcomed the positive trajectory in bilateral trade and investment and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to achieving the agreed $2 billion investment target.

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He appreciated Azerbaijan's decision to reduce the import duty on Pakistani rice to zero until 2027 and underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in energy, information technology, agriculture, healthcare, artificial intelligence, innovation and tourism.

Highlighting enhanced connectivity, the Chairman Senate welcomed the operationalisation of direct flights and the ASAN visa programme, describing them as important steps towards promoting tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.

Reaffirming Pakistan's principled support for Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chairman Senate thanked Azerbaijan for its consistent support for Pakistan's position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

He observed that the relationship between the two countries is rooted not only in shared strategic interests but also in deep historical and cultural links, symbolised by the historic Multani Caravanserai in Baku.

Ambassador Khazar Farhadov thanked the Chairman Senate for the warm sentiments and hospitality extended to him during his tenure and reaffirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to further strengthening its close friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Pakistan.

Senator Kazim Ali Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Senate; Syed Raza Ali Gillani, MNA and Chairman of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the National Assembly; Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar; Ms. Misbah Khar, Adviser to the Chairman Senate; and Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), attended the meeting.