Highlighting a significant intensification in diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on his third official journey to Azerbaijan in 2025 on Friday, this time to participate in the nation’s fifth Victory Day anniversary celebrations.

The two-day trip, undertaken at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, will see the prime minister attend the Victory Day festivities in Baku. A key bilateral meeting between the two leaders is also scheduled to take place.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO), the meeting will provide an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. The leaders are expected to explore new avenues for enhanced cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade and investment, energy, defence, education, and regional connectivity.

The Foreign Office underscored that Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy deep-rooted fraternal ties founded on shared faith, history, culture, and mutual trust. This strong relationship is reflected in their close collaboration at regional and international forums such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), and the United Nations (UN).

The visit is also set to reaffirm Pakistan’s steadfast support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations, the FO added.

This visit follows the prime minister’s official trip in February and his participation in the 17th ECO Summit held in Khankendi from July 3 to 4. During that summit, Mr. Sharif met with President Aliyev, with both leaders acknowledging that frequent high-level interactions had further strengthened their countries’ ties.