Lachin: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the unwavering support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and justice shared by Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Pakistan. Addressing a trilateral summit with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Aliyev underscored the symbolic significance of the gathering.
According to Anadolu Agency, Aliyev expressed gratitude towards Trkiye and Pakistan for their steadfast political and moral support during the 44-day conflict in the Karabakh region in 2020. He affirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to stand by Ankara and Islamabad, highlighting the unity among their peoples and the potential for mutual benefits through strategic collaboration.
Aliyev revealed Azerbaijan's substantial investments, with over $20 billion in the Turkish economy and plans to invest $2 billion in Pakistan. He also addressed the changing energy dynamics in the region, crediting Azerbaijan and Trkiye's cooperation for altering the energy map and ensuring energy security through large-scale renewable energy projects.
The Azerbaijani president highlighted the strategic importance of transport routes connecting Asia and Europe through Azerbaijan and Trkiye, suggesting that Pakistan's involvement in developing a multimodal freight route would enhance cooperation. Defense cooperation, he noted, remains a crucial aspect of their partnership, contributing to regional peace and stability.
Aliyev advocated for exploring new collaboration areas, including digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and space technologies. He commended Turkish President Erdogan for the PKK's decision to disband and surrender its weapons, marking a significant milestone for regional peace.
Addressing regional tensions, Aliyev voiced concern over recent developments between Pakistan and India, urging a peaceful resolution in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions. He reiterated Azerbaijan's support for restoring peace and stability between the two nations.