Azerbaijan develops relations with Pakistan, Iran while pacifying Israel

On Thursday, Pakistan and Azerbaijan engaged in discussions concerning a series of joint projects valued at $2 billion. These initiatives aim to elevate bilateral relations to an “economic partnership” between the two nations.

The announcement was made during a joint news conference held in Islamabad by Azerbaijan’s visiting President Ilham Aliyev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This followed delegation-level talks between the two leaders.

Prime Minister Sharif announced the establishment of a joint committee tasked with developing a strategy to implement projects across various sectors, including trade, commerce, information technology, tourism, telecommunications, and mineral resources. He noted that the current trade volume of $100 million does not accurately reflect the true potential of trade between the two countries. Both sides are committed to increasing bilateral trade volume by millions of dollars in the coming years.

President Aliyev, who arrived in Islamabad earlier for a two-day official visit, emphasized the agreement to transform bilateral relations into an economic partnership.

Aliyev highlighted Pakistan’s support during Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia over Karabakh, stating that it strengthened Azerbaijan’s resolve. He noted Pakistan’s unique relationship with Azerbaijan and Türkiye, particularly their support on the Karabakh issue. He also mentioned that Pakistan has not established diplomatic relations with Armenia out of solidarity with Azerbaijan.

Regarding the long-standing Kashmir dispute, Aliyev affirmed Baku’s support for Pakistan, citing respect for international law and justice. He expressed confidence that justice would prevail for the people of Kashmir.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s consistent support on the Kashmir issue. He emphasized that the two allies would continue to support each other on regional and international forums concerning Kashmir and Karabakh. He also noted that Azerbaijan and Türkiye are among the friendly nations that have always backed Islamabad on the Kashmir dispute.

Earlier, Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed agreements and memorandums of understanding in trade, commerce, telecommunications, and mineral resources.

President Aliyev’s recent visit underscores the deepening ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. During his two-day visit from July 11-12, Aliyev met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, and defense. This visit continues a tradition of high-level reciprocal visits that have historically strengthened bilateral relations.  Aliyev’s 2017 visit and numerous visits by Pakistani leaders to Baku, have increased relationship between the two nations.

In recent years, the partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan has evolved, marked by significant strides in economic cooperation and strategic alignment. Historical ties and mutual geopolitical interests have driven progress across various sectors. The mutual support during critical periods, such as Pakistan’s support during the Karabakh conflict, has solidified bilateral relations.

Trade between the two nations has grown significantly, surpassing $100 million by 2023. Strategic agreements, particularly in energy, where Azerbaijan supplies liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, have been pivotal. These agreements have helped alleviate Pakistan’s energy shortages and stabilize its economy amidst global oil price fluctuations.

Prime Minister Sharif discussed an initial investment figure of $2 billion in mutually beneficial projects, with potential increases in the future. President Aliyev noted ongoing projects in energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defense industries, aiming to build a robust economic partnership.

A source in the Azeri embassy in Tehran confirmed the resumption of operations in Iran’s capital, pending official confirmation from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This follows tensions exacerbated by a January 2023 attack on the Azeri embassy. Relations between Tehran and Baku had improved during former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s tenure, marked by joint infrastructure projects.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, discussed strengthening economic and trade ties with Israel. This meeting with Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation, David Amsalem, focused on creating a favorable investment climate for foreign investors and private sector cooperation.

Amid global pro-Palestinian demonstrations, Turkish activists have protested Azerbaijan’s oil exports to Israel. These protests, held at SOCAR’s Istanbul office, accuse Azerbaijan of fueling Israel’s war efforts in Gaza. They demand that Turkey halt oil flows to Israel via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which is crucial for Israel’s wartime economy, currently dependent on Azerbaijani oil for 40% of its demand.

Former Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev often referred to Azerbaijan and Turkey as “one nation, two states.” Turkey was among the first nations to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence on June 4, 1918, under the Treaty of Batum, and it was the very first country to acknowledge Azerbaijan’s restoration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Azerbaijan’s recent moves to consolidate relations with three countries, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan which strongly support Hamas also attempting to maintain its relations with Israel which supplies it with arms and intelligence is unsustainable on the long run.