The Chief Minister received a grand welcome upon arrival.The CM held discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
LAHORE: Continuing the longstanding friendship between President PML(N) Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Heydar Aliyev, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif received a grand diplomatic welcome in Baku, where she led a high-level delegation in an important meeting with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
During the meeting, both sides appreciated the growing brotherly relations and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Discussions were held on cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic, defence and other sectors, while both parties also highlighted the strong potential for further expansion of bilateral trade relations.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz conveyed greetings from former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to President Ilham Aliyev. The Azerbaijani president thanked her for the message and requested that his greetings also be conveyed to the Pakistani premier and Nawaz Sharif.
President Ilham Aliyev recalled the cordial relations between national leader Heydar Aliyev and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
CM Maryam Nawaz thanked President Aliyev for inviting her to participate in the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum and praised the arrangements made for the global event.
The meeting also acknowledged Pakistan’s responsible and mediatory role in efforts for restoration of peace following recent Iran-US tensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team were appreciated for their continuous diplomatic efforts and measures aimed at ensuring regional stability.
Both sides also discussed matters relating to centres established in Pakistan on the pattern of Azerbaijan’s “ASAN Khidmet” model.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz said important global issues relating to urban planning would be discussed in Baku. She remarked that Azerbaijan’s capital was a beautiful blend of culture and modern urban planning, adding that the city’s beauty had left a deep impression on her.
Along with the delegation, the Punjab Chief Minister also visited the mausoleum of modern Azerbaijan’s founder Heydar Aliyev and paid tribute to him.
CM Maryam Nawaz said the untiring efforts of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif formed the foundation of Pakistan’s development, peace and stability. She stated that Pakistan’s strategic position was extremely important for maintaining balance in the region.
“Pakistan, being the only Muslim nuclear power in the Muslim world, holds extraordinary importance on the global map,” she said.
Referring to the Iran-US conflict, the chief minister said Pakistan had emerged as an indispensable mediator through the power of peace, wisdom and dialogue. She added that Pakistan’s nuclear capability had strengthened regional balance, sovereignty and national dignity.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz further said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was working tirelessly day and night to steer the country out of challenges and towards economic prosperity.
President Ilham Aliyev said relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan were progressing rapidly under the trilateral framework involving Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Pakistan.
Reported By : Staff Reporter , Lahore I May 18, 2026
