ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Khazar Farhadov, paid a formal farewell call on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on 7 August 2026. The meeting served as a reflective session on the strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two nations, which have historically maintained deep brotherly relations and strategic cooperation.

Bilateral Ties and Strategic Partnership

President Asif Ali Zardari commended the outgoing envoy for his instrumental role in deepening the longstanding bonds between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Highlighting the strength of the relationship, the President stated that Pakistan deeply values Azerbaijan as a trusted partner. The bilateral ties, which are built on a foundation of mutual trust and support for core national interests, have seen significant growth during the Ambassador’s tenure. This relationship has reached new heights similar to the efforts seen in other regional defense initiatives, such as the Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye joint defence pact, which aims to enhance collective regional stability.

Review of Diplomatic Milestones

The President particularly lauded Ambassador Farhadov’s contributions to the successful state visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Pakistan in July 2024. This visit is widely regarded as a watershed moment that inaugurated a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic engagement between the two countries. President Zardari expressed satisfaction with the increased trajectory of parliamentary, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. He underscored a firm commitment to transforming the vision of both nations’ leadership into concrete outcomes, specifically targeting growth in trade, investment, connectivity, Information Technology, and climate-related initiatives.

Future Cooperation and Personal Reflections

President Zardari reiterated the necessity of expanding defense and security cooperation, a cornerstone of stable state relations. While congratulating the ambassador on the successful completion of his assignment, the President conveyed his best wishes for the diplomat’s next posting in Malaysia. In a poignant moment, Ambassador Farhadov remarked that Pakistan was his first ambassadorial posting and would always be his “first love,” promising to continue serving as a bridge between the two countries even in his new capacity. Mrs. Tarana Farhadova, who accompanied the ambassador, presented a commemorative pictorial book to President Zardari, documenting their five-year residence in Pakistan.