Issue Brief on “Pakistan–Azerbaijan Relations: Strategic Convergence and Future Prospects”

The Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations are rooted deep in history, reinforced by strong religious and cultural affinity, and powered by the notion of brotherhood beyond borders. The bilateral relationship has been further fortified in recent times, as evident from Azerbaijan's unequivocal support to Pakistan during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. Pakistan also expressed similar support after the announcement of the historic Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Agreement facilitated by President Trump. While congratulating Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated, "we stand with them at this proud moment of their history."^[1] The Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace deal is significant as it further optimizes Pakistan-Azerbaijan evolving relationship.

The evolving and all-encompassing nature of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations represents a "true demonstration of brotherhood".^[2] Having established formal diplomatic relations in 1991, Pakistan and Azerbaijan have steadily strengthened cooperation in political, diplomatic, military, economic and cultural arenas. The two countries extend full support to each others' issues of core interests, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan has consistently supported Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh, while Azerbaijan supports Pakistan on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. A high-level visit by President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to Pakistan, from 11-12 July 2024, further strengthened bilateral strategic partnership by expanding cooperation in key sectors. The visit culminated in the signing of 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) particularly relating trade and investment.[3] More recently, Azerbaijan's diplomatic support to Pakistan in times of heightened tensions with India has been an exemplary show of brotherhood.^[4]

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