PM Shehbaz lauds Turkey, Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan on Kashmir issue

Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan have vowed to further strengthen their deep rooted and historic ties for the mutual benefits of their peoples, and peace and prosperity in the region. The understanding was reached at Pakistan-Turkiye- Azerbaijan trilateral summit held in Lachin, Azerbaijan today.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that Pakistan always wanted peace in the region and was willing to discuss all the bilateral issues with India on the negotiation table if it showed sincerity of purpose and cooperation. 

Addressing the second Trilateral Summit in Lachin city of Azerbaijan, the prime minister referred to the recent aggression of India and said that with Allah Almighty’s infinite blessings and kindness, with the support of the people of Pakistan, and friendly countries, and a resolute response of the armed forces, they emerged victorious.

In his speech, telecast live on national Tv channels, the prime minister further said that Pakistan wanted peace in the region and that required talks on the table to discuss the issues that needed urgent attention and amicable solution like the issue of Kashmir which should be resolved according to the UNSC resolutions and as per aspiration of the people of Kashmir. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Turkey and Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan on Kashmir issue. 

Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Muhamad Shehbaz Sharif called for building on the spirit of time-tested relationship between the three countries to move forward collectively in all spheres of common interest. He said Pakistan is eagerly looking forward to take these trilateral ties to new heights. 

The Prime Minister said our strengthen lies in our solidarity as the three countries stood by each other in recent times be it on Karabakh, Kashmir or Northern Cyprus issues. He said Pakistan is fortunate to have brothers like Azerbaijan and Turkiye who have always stood with us like an impregnable rock and whom we can trust without second thought unhesitatingly. He said we are united in peace, justice and morality.

Shehbaz Sharif said as the world faces challenges like armed conflicts, climate change, diseases and economic crisis, we are here opting for compassion and rejecting conflict. He said patience and wisdom will ultimately usher in peace and prosperity.

Mentioning the recent India-Pakistan tension, Shehbaz Sharif said India not only failed to bring any credible evidence against Pakistan but also rejected our very sincere offer for a neutral and transparent international probe into the Pahalgam incident. 

Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the Presidents of Turkiye and Azerbaijan and the people of the two countries for their support and solidarity with Pakistan during that time. 

He applauded the role of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir who led the armed forces of Pakistan with exemplary bravery and professionalism during the Indian aggression against Pakistan.

Addressing the summit, President Azerbaijan Ilahm Aliyev said we aim to achieve shared goals in political, economic, energy, mutual investment, transportation, defence, agriculture, IT and all sectors where there are opportunities to advance our cooperation though joint projects.

He announced that Azerbaijan envisages a TWO billion dollars investment in Pakistan's economy.

The Azeri President said we want to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in defence industry as there is great potential for it, and our joint military projects, exercises and defence cooperation will ensure peace and stability across our vast geography.                

He also highlighted the need for expanding academic and cultural collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid tribute to Pakistan for showing prudence during tension with India

He said Turkiye is pleased with the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and hopes that it evolves into permanent peace. He said Turkiye is ready to make every possible contribution to this end.

Referring to international system's drifting into crisis of legitimacy, the Turkish President mentioned Israel's relentless cruelty and expansionist policies in Palestine.

He called on the entire world to increase pressure on Israel for establishing permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

About the Pakistan-Turkiye,-Azerbaijan trilateral cooperation, the Turkish President said the three countries will institutionalize their cooperation by holding regular trilateral summits and ministerial meetings.

He said we will deepen our cooperation in defence and will maintain our common commitment to fight against terrorism. He also mentioned taking joint steps for trade facilitation, investment promotion and digital transformation. 

Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif has extended heartfelt felicitations to President Ilham Aliyev and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on the joyous occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day on the behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan.

In a post on social media platform X, he said that Pakistan deeply values its close fraternal bonds with Azerbaijan-rooted in shared history, mutual trust and unwavering support for each other.

Shehbaz Sharif said that "this year, it gives me great pleasure to be able to celebrate this historic day in Azerbaijan, alongside President Aliyev and our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters". The Prime Minister expressed confidence that under President Aliyev's wise and sagacious leadership, our multi-dimensional partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength.