ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan held a telephone conversation on Saturday, reaffirming the strong brotherly ties and strategic partnership between their countries while pledging to deepen economic, investment, and commercial cooperation.

During the call, Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored Pakistan’s longstanding fraternal relationship with Azerbaijan, which he said was built on mutual trust and unwavering support on issues of national importance. Both leaders agreed that their close political understanding should now be translated into stronger economic and trade relations.

The prime minister noted that the people of Pakistan hold President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan in high regard, while both sides expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

The two leaders particularly welcomed the successful operationalization of the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, which has been modeled on Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmat public service delivery system. They described the initiative as a practical example of the benefits of bilateral cooperation for ordinary citizens.

At Prime Minister Shehbaz’s request, President Aliyev agreed to extend Azerbaijan’s support and expertise for the expansion of the Asaan Khidmat network across Pakistan. The prime minister thanked the Azerbaijani president for the gesture, terming it another demonstration of Azerbaijan’s enduring friendship with Pakistan.

The conversation also covered regional and international developments, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of maintaining close consultations and coordination on matters of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed President Aliyev on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace, dialogue, and de-escalation in the region. President Aliyev appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and mediation, acknowledging the significance of such efforts for regional peace and stability.

The call concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to working closely together to transform their strategic partnership into a long-term relationship focused on shared progress, prosperity, and mutual benefit for the peoples of both countries.