Azerbaijan's top diplomat meets with Pakistani premier, army chief

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Gen. Asim Munir during his two-day official trip to Pakistan.

Bayramov met with Sharif late Thursday in Islamabad where the Pakistani prime minister stressed the need to "further strengthen the cooperation" with Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister landed in Islamabad on Wednesday night and held extensive talks with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar on Thursday.

According to state-run Radio Pakistan, Sharif and Bayramov discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, renewables, information technologies, and agriculture.

Bayramov on Friday also met Pakistani army chief Munir.

The two sides held "in-depth discussions on matters of mutual interest, including regional peace and stability," a statement from the Pakistani military said.

Munir reiterated Pakistan's "unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive assistance and cooperation in the spheres of defense and security."

Bayramov expressed his "sincere appreciation for Pakistan's steadfast support to Azerbaijan and acknowledged the country's pivotal role in maintaining regional stability," the statement said.

The Azerbaijani top diplomat said he also discussed joint military training and cooperation with Munir.