ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Azerbaijan on Saturday agreed to establish joint working groups (JWGs) aimed at strengthening bilateral connectivity and elevating their relationship into a strategic economic partnership focused on rail and trade infrastructure.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Railways, with Minister of State for Railways and Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani in the chair.
The session brought together key stakeholders to explore avenues for strengthening cross-border linkages and advancing mutual economic interests.
The State Minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to enhancing rail-based trade connectivity with Azerbaijan. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy for the development and modernization of Pakistan Railways.
The railways secretary gave a detailed briefing on Pakistan’s railway network, highlighting its existing capacity and outlining prospects for future expansion to accommodate regional freight and logistics operations.
During the meeting, both sides also discussed the rail agreement inked between Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, underscoring its significance in advancing regional connectivity.
Key officials from various Pakistani ministries and departments participated in a high-level meeting aimed at advancing bilateral connectivity between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Meanwhile, DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, on Saturday, reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the joint efforts to further strengthen the close and fraternal ties.
During a telephone conversation, they discussed areas of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.