Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is getting ready for a big trip. He’s going to Azerbaijan. This visit is exciting! It’s all about making Pakistan and Azerbaijan better friends. They want to grow trade and help each other more. On Monday, PM Shehbaz will talk at the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum. Here’s what’s happening in simple words.
A Warm Welcome in Baku
PM Shehbaz landed in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday. Baku is the capital city. He got a warm welcome at the airport. Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Yaqub Abdulla oğlu Eyyubov, greeted him. Other important people were there too. They smiled and shook hands. This shows how much Azerbaijan likes Pakistan.
The visit lasts two days. It started on February 23, 2025. PM Shehbaz brought some helpers with him. These include Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan. They’re all excited to work together with Azerbaijan.
A Big Meeting with Azerbaijan’s Leader
On Monday, PM Shehbaz will meet Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. This is a special moment. They’ll talk one-on-one first. Then, they’ll have a bigger meeting with their teams. They want to share ideas. What can Pakistan and Azerbaijan do together? They’ll talk about trade, friendship, and helping each other.
Both leaders care about making their countries stronger. They’ll sign some papers called Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These papers are like promises. They say, “We’ll work as a team!” This will make their friendship official and strong.
The Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum
The big event is the Business Forum. PM Shehbaz will give a speech there. He’ll talk about trade and money. He wants businesses from Pakistan and Azerbaijan to team up. Right now, trade between them is growing. But it can grow even more! This forum is a chance to make that happen.
Azerbaijan is already helping Pakistan. They promised $2 billion for projects. That’s a lot of money! It could build roads, schools, or other cool things. PM Shehbaz wants more ideas like this. He’ll tell everyone how Pakistan and Azerbaijan can be great partners.
A Special Dinner and a Visit to Heroes
President Aliyev is throwing a dinner party. It’s for PM Shehbaz and his team. This dinner shows respect and kindness. It’s a chance to relax and talk more. Good food and good chats can make friends even closer!
PM Shehbaz will also visit the Victory Monument. This place honors brave soldiers from a war. Azerbaijan fought in the Nagorno-Karabakh war for 44 days. The monument remembers the heroes who died. PM Shehbaz will say thank you to them. It’s a respectful moment.
Why This Visit Matters
Pakistan and Azerbaijan are old friends. They share the same values. They want peace and success. This trip makes their bond tighter. PM Shehbaz said, “I’m excited to talk with Azerbaijan’s leaders. We can do so much together!” He’s right—there’s a lot to gain.
Trade is a big deal here. Pakistan sells things like rice to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan gives Pakistan duty-free access for rice until 2027. That means no extra taxes! It’s a sweet deal. In return, Azerbaijan might help with roads or energy projects. Both countries win.
What Leaders Are Saying
Before leaving, PM Shehbaz shared his thoughts. He said, “I can’t wait for this trip. We’ll make our friendship stronger. Trade and money ties will grow too.” He’s hopeful and happy about it. His team agrees. They see Azerbaijan as a key partner.
Azerbaijan’s leaders feel the same. They like Pakistan’s ideas. During a recent visit, Azerbaijan’s PM Ali Asadov met Pakistan’s Aleem Khan. They talked about big plans. Azerbaijan wants to join Pakistan’s privatization projects. That’s when the government sells businesses to private people. It’s a smart way to team up.
Trade Is Already Growing
Here’s a fun fact: trade between Pakistan and Azerbaijan is booming! In 2022, it was $10 million. Now, it’s way more. Direct flights helped a lot. Over 80,000 Pakistanis visited Azerbaijan last year. That’s a huge number! People-to-people connections are growing too.
Azerbaijan is setting up a trade center in Lahore, Pakistan. This will bring businesses closer. Pakistani traders can sell rice, clothes, or other stuff. Azerbaijani traders can share their goods too. It’s like a big market for both sides.
Big Plans for the Future
This visit isn’t just for now. It’s about the future. PM Shehbaz wants long-term friendship. He’ll talk about energy, roads, and schools. Azerbaijan has a great spot on the map. It’s like a bridge between Asia and Europe. Pakistan can use that to sell more things.
Azerbaijan likes Pakistan’s workers. Pakistan has young, smart people ready to help. Together, they can build amazing things. Maybe new highways or power plants! The $2 billion promise is just the start.
A Little Bit About Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a cool country. It’s near the Caspian Sea. It has oil, gas, and beautiful mountains. Baku is a modern city with tall buildings. Pakistan and Azerbaijan are far apart, but they feel close. They’ve been friends for years.
Azerbaijan fought a war and won. That’s why the Victory Monument matters. They’re strong and proud. Pakistan respects that. This trip shows how much they care about each other.
What’s Next After the Trip?
After two days, PM Shehbaz will come home. But the work won’t stop. The signed papers will kick things off. Businesses will start talking. Trade will keep growing. Pakistan might send more rice or fruits. Azerbaijan might send oil or ideas.
Both countries want peace in their region. They’ll help each other stay strong. PM Shehbaz’s team will keep meeting Azerbaijan’s leaders. Friendship takes time, but this is a great start.
Why Kids Should Care
Hey, kids! This trip is about teamwork. Pakistan and Azerbaijan are like best friends sharing toys. They trade stuff to make life better. Imagine swapping your snacks for a cool toy—that’s what they’re doing! It means more jobs, schools, and fun things in both places.
When leaders like PM Shehbaz visit other countries, it’s a big deal. They make plans so everyone can be happy. Maybe one day, you’ll visit Azerbaijan too! It’s all about making the world friendlier.
Final Thoughts
PM Shehbaz’s trip to Azerbaijan is super exciting. He landed on February 23, 2025. On Monday, he’ll meet President Aliyev and speak at the Business Forum. They’ll sign promises to work together. Trade and friendship will grow bigger and better.
This visit is a happy step forward. Pakistan and Azerbaijan are ready to shine as partners. With $2 billion and big dreams, they’re building a bright future. Stay tuned—more good news might come soon!