ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) held its first virtual meeting with the Working Group on Azerbaijan-Pakistan Inter-Parliamentary Relations on Thursday. The meeting aimed at further strengthening parliamentary cooperation and enhancing inter-parliamentary engagement between the two brotherly countries. In his opening remarks, Kamaladdin Gafarov highlighted the deep-rooted friendship, brotherhood, and solidarity between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, recalling Pakistan’s principled support for Azerbaijan and appreciating the steadfast stance of the Government and people of Pakistan. He also referred to recent high-level and parliamentary engagements as a reflection of strong and evolving bilateral relations.The Convener Pakistan-Azerbaijan PFG Syed Raza Ali Gillani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary and institutional ties with Azerbaijan. He emphasized the role of parliamentarians in promoting cooperation in trade, economy, culture, education, youth engagement, and people-to-people exchanges. He stressed the need for regular parliamentary interactions and sustained follow-up to achieve tangible outcomes. He highlighted the recent inauguration of the Pakistan Asaan Khidmat Centre by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, established with the cooperation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and appreciated the specialized training provided under Azerbaijan’s Asaan Khidmat Centre model, reflecting the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. Members from both sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, tourism, education, research, and youth exchange programmes, underscoring the importance of dialogue, mutual learning, and parliamentary diplomacy in fostering long-term partnership. Ambassadors from both sides underscored the positive momentum in bilateral relations and highlighted the constructive role of parliamentary exchanges in reinforcing diplomatic engagement. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared resolve to further strengthen Pakistan– Azerbaijan relations through enhanced parliamentary engagement, closer coordination, and sustained collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026