Islamabad hosted the eighth session of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Commission, which concluded on Friday with both nations reiterating their commitment to strengthening cooperation across key sectors, including energy, trade, defence, agriculture, and education.

The session was co-chaired by Pakistan's Federal Minister for Defence Production, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Azerbaijan's Minister for Defence Industry, Vugar Valeh Oglu Mustafayev.

During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of implementing the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), signed in July 2024, and identified avenues for joint ventures and investment opportunities. Additionally, they resolved to accelerate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing an Advance Electronic Data Interchange system to enhance Customs cooperation between the two countries.

This session highlighted the growing partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, paving the way for deeper collaboration in mutual areas of interest.

In the defence sector, Pakistan and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation by expediting the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the production and sale of defence equipment. The discussions also included advancing Pakistan's strategic underground gas storage project, with Azerbaijan invited to actively participate in energy infrastructure initiatives such as the white oil pipeline project.

Agriculture was identified as a key area of mutual interest, with both nations agreeing to prioritise joint research efforts in cotton, grain cultivation and seed development. To further boost trade in agricultural commodities, both sides emphasised the need to facilitate business-to-business exchanges.

In the healthcare sector, the two countries stressed the importance of collaboration in areas such as diagnostics, managing public health emergencies, medical tourism, and research. Plans were outlined for capacity building and expertise sharing to strengthen healthcare systems and foster innovation.

These agreements underscore the comprehensive approach taken by Pakistan and Azerbaijan to expand cooperation across multiple critical sectors, reflecting a strong and growing partnership.