PM Shehbaz, Azerbaijan's President Aliyev discuss peace efforts in Mideast: PMO
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday discussed regional developments and peace efforts regarding the Middle East conflict with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders held a phone call on Tuesday to discuss peace efforts in the region, while also reaffirming the bilateral ties between the two countries.
The two leaders exchanged greetings and reaffirmed the “strong fraternal bonds of friendship” between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to President Aliyev for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum, which will be held in Baku next week, the statement said.
He expressed confidence that under Azerbaijan’s stewardship, the forum would serve as a “valuable platform for advancing the global urban development agenda”.
The premier also expressed his regrets that pressing commitments would make him unable to personally attend the forum, but noted that he had ensured that Pakistan would be well-represented at the event.
According to the PMO, the two leaders “expressed satisfaction on the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, while reiterating their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across areas of mutual interest including trade and investment, energy, and people-to-people contacts”.
They also discussed regional developments of common concern, particularly the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East, it said.
“President Aliyev expressed his deep appreciation at Pakistan’s remarkably successful initiatives to bring about a ceasefire between Iran and the US. This was a clear reflection of the trust and confidence of the international community in Pakistan and its leadership,” the statement highlighted.
The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact and looked forward to meeting in person later this year, according to the statement.
The prime minister also reiterated his cordial invitation to President Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
In a separate statement on X, PM Shehbaz said that he was “pleased” to have spoken with the Azerbaijani president.
“I deeply appreciate President Aliyev’s kind words regarding Pakistan’s sincere efforts to advance peace, dialogue, and diplomacy in the region,” he said.
Pakistan remains engaged in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, even as military pressure and fears of renewed confrontation continue to shape the crisis.
While a deal for a complete end to the war is yet to happen, the hostilities have been largely ceased since the two sides agreed on a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8.
Following the ceasefire, a first round of historic direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, with Pakistan playing the role of a mediator. The talks had ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown.
With challenges in convening a second round, Islamabad has shifted back to its role as a facilitator and go-between.
In November of last year, the premier held a bilateral meeting with Aliyev at the Presidential Palace in Baku, while on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan at the president’s invitation.
At the time, he extended an invitation to Aliyev to visit Pakistan, which the PMO said was “graciously accepted”.
The premier had also visited Azerbaijan in May 2025, as well while on a four-nation tour. He had met the Azerbaijan president, and the two had renewed their pledge to diversify the strategic partnership through investment in mutually beneficial avenues.
