BAKU: Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that Islamabad and Baku are strengthening their relations under a trilateral framework involving Pakistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
The Azeri president met with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Baku, where she arrived on a three-day visit on Saturday to represent Pakistan at the 13th UN World Urban Forum (WUF13).
According to a statement issued by the Azerbaijani presidency, President Aliyev emphasised that Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations are currently progressing within the trilateral cooperation framework among Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Pakistan.
During the meeting, both sides praised the growing fraternal relations and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. They discussed cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic, defence and several other sectors, while also underscoring the significance of interregional collaboration and the strong potential to further expand bilateral trade ties.
The statement further noted that centres inspired by Azerbaijan’s “ASAN Khidmet” model have also been established in Pakistan.
Expressing satisfaction over participating in WUF13, Maryam Nawaz thanked President Aliyev for the invitation and appreciated the excellent organisation of the forum. She stated that key global urban planning issues would be discussed during the event in Baku.
The Punjab chief minister also praised the beauty of Baku, describing the Azerbaijani capital as a remarkable example of harmony between culture and modern urban planning.
During her visit, Maryam Nawaz also visited the grave of Azerbaijan’s founder, Heydar Aliyev, and paid tribute to his memory with deep respect and reverence.
She conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as former premier Nawaz Sharif to President Aliyev. In response, Aliyev thanked her for the message and requested that his greetings be conveyed back to both Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif.
President Aliyev also recalled the longstanding friendly relations between Heydar Aliyev and Nawaz Sharif.
Ali Mustafa Dar, adviser on artificial intelligence and special initiatives as well as Maryam Nawaz’s brother-in-law, was also part of the delegation. In a post on X, he said it was an honour to accompany the Punjab chief minister during her meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.
Meanwhile, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that today Maryam Nawaz will represent Pakistan at the UN Urban Forum Leaders Summit, where she will present Pakistan’s vision for safe, resilient and inclusive cities before the international community.
On Monday, the Punjab chief minister is also scheduled to inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion, which will showcase Punjab’s major development initiatives, including the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme — described as one of the world’s fastest and largest affordable housing schemes, with 160,000 loans approved so far.
Marriyum Aurangzeb added that 100,489 families had already moved into homes under the initiative.
Earlier this week, President Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the Pakistani premier conveyed his best wishes for the successful hosting of WUF13.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that the forum, under Azerbaijan’s stewardship, would serve as an important platform for advancing the global urban development agenda.
The statement added that both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and expressed hope to meet in person later this year.