Lahore: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has telephoned Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding and consistent support to Azerbaijan on the Karabakh issue. The Prime Minister conveyed warm felicitations to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on their country’s historic Peace Agreement with Armenia.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister lauded the visionary role of President Ilham Aliyev in bringing the three decades-old conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia to a peaceful and mutually beneficial end that will usher in a new era of prosperity for the region. The Prime Minister emphasized that it has always been a duty for the people of Pakistan to extend their support to their Azerbaijani brothers and sisters on this core issue.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the establishment of peace in the region, crediting President Aliyev’s leadership and statesmanship. He also acknowledged the role played by US President Donald Trump in facilitating this historic deal and appreciated his efforts in promoting peace globally, including his involvement in ending the recent Indo-Pak war.

President Aliyev highlighted the importance of peaceful development in the region, which will create new opportunities for enhanced connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation.

Recalling their recent interactions in Lachin and Khankendi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his invitation to President Aliyev for an official visit to Pakistan. The two leaders are also expected to meet in Tianjin during the upcoming SCO Summit.