Gilani, Gafarova Reaffirm Pakistan–Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation in Baku
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN –Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, held a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova, on the sidelines of the International Parliamentary Conference marking the 30th anniversary of the adoption of Azerbaijan’s Constitution.
Chairman Gilani extended warm greetings to the leadership of Azerbaijan and praised the long-standing brotherly ties between the two countries. He emphasized that peace, security, and prosperity are shared objectives that bind Pakistan and Azerbaijan in a relationship rooted in faith, history, and mutual respect.
Expressing his pleasure at meeting Speaker Gafarova for the second time within a month, following their recent engagement in Islamabad, Chairman Gilani described his return to Baku as a reaffirmation of strong bilateral ties. He also referred to the recent Trilateral Parliamentary Conference among Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye held in Islamabad as a milestone for regional parliamentary cooperation.
Highlighting the deep historical bonds between the two nations, Chairman Gilani noted that Pakistan’s ties with Azerbaijan go beyond formal diplomacy. He cited the 14th-century Multani Caravanserai in Baku as a symbol of ancient cultural and trade linkages, and invited Speaker Gafarova to visit Multan, his hometown, to further experience this shared heritage.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani mentioned his 2012 meeting with President Ilham Aliyev during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where both sides explored enhanced cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture—foundations that continue to guide the bilateral relationship today.
Congratulating Azerbaijan on its recent peace efforts with Armenia, Chairman Gilani lauded Baku’s steps towards regional stability and development in the South Caucasus. He also invited the Azerbaijani leadership to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, to be hosted by Pakistan’s Senate in Islamabad from November 10–12, 2025, aimed at fostering dialogue on peace, security, and development.
Gilani further highlighted Pakistan’s active engagement with Azerbaijan at multilateral platforms, including the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network (NAMPN). He congratulated Azerbaijan on its re-election within NAM’s parliamentary structure, expressing confidence that continuity would strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation among member states.
Welcoming Chairman Gilani, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to her delegation during their recent visit to Pakistan. She thanked him for attending the celebrations of the “Year of the Constitution and Statehood of Azerbaijan” announced by President Ilham Aliyev after the restoration of full sovereignty over the Karabakh region.
Briefing Chairman Gilani on developments in peacebuilding and regional cooperation, Gafarova underscored the importance of expanding parliamentary collaboration between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. She also reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening ties through regular exchanges and joint initiatives.
Both leaders reiterated their resolve to deepen parliamentary cooperation, enhance people-to-people linkages, and work together for regional stability and sustainable development.
The meeting concluded in a spirit of warmth and mutual understanding, reflecting the enduring partnership and shared vision that continue to shape Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations.
