LACHIN, Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday announced a $2 billion investment in Pakistan during a trilateral summit in Lachin, where the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Pakistan gathered to deepen strategic and economic cooperation among the three brotherly nations.
Addressing the summit also attended by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Aliyev highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the three nations, stating that they are moving forward together to achieve shared goals.
“Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan are united by a common cultural and historical heritage. We are moving forward together to achieve shared goals,” he said.
President Aliyev said Azerbaijan is reviewing investment projects in Pakistan and emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships in defence and other sectors with Pakistan and Turkiye.
He recalled the support both countries extended during the 2020 war, adding that defence cooperation among the three nations holds great potential and is key to regional stability.
“Pakistan and Turkey supported us during the 2020 war, and we value their steadfast solidarity. Our ties are built on mutual trust and brotherhood,” he added.
He particularly emphasised the importance of cooperation in the defence sector, stating that there is a wide scope for joint initiatives among the three countries.
“Defence collaboration between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan is not only vital for our security but also essential for ensuring regional stability,” President Aliyev noted.
He also expressed interest in collaborating in tourism.
Commenting on regional tensions, President Aliyev noted that the Pakistan-India conflict is deeply concerning and stressed that disputes should be resolved peacefully.
He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s full solidarity with Pakistan during recent escalations with India.
The trilateral summit focused on strengthening trilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, defence, energy, and regional connectivity.
In his remarks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country’s commitment to enhancing strategic ties with both Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
He also congratulated Azerbaijan on its Independence Day and expressed optimism about the reconstruction and development of the territories liberated following the 2020 conflict with Armenia.
“This second trilateral meeting marks a continuation of our joint efforts. The relations among our three nations are founded on mutual respect and trust. We are committed to further strengthening this strategic partnership,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan welcomed the recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India and praised the wise leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in diffusing tensions.
He stated that the region is of strategic importance and urged all three nations to collaborate to achieve common objectives.
