IRIA News

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened for a trilateral summit in the city of Lachin on May 28, 2025, to forge a commitment to sovereignty, regional stability, and cooperation in defense, energy, trade, and technology.

In his address, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stressed the symbolic and strategic significance of the trilateral meeting, which followed the first summit held in July last year. “Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan have always stood for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and justice,” he declared, highlighting the consistent political and moral support among the three nations during times of conflict and crisis.

“Today, we once again affirm the unity of our peoples,” Aliyev said, emphasizing the immense economic and geopolitical potential that the three countries could harness by working together. He underscored the strength of the alliance by announcing that Azerbaijan has invested over $20 billion in the Turkish economy and declared Baku’s intention to invest $2 billion in Pakistan.

Aliyev also praised the evolving energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey, stating, “Our countries have played an important role in ensuring energy security, and today, large-scale projects have been launched in the direction of the production and export of renewable energy.”

The president of Azerbaijan called for Pakistan’s involvement in developing multimodal transport corridors connecting Asia and Europe, which pass through Azerbaijan and Turkey, noting their strategic importance.

Touching on defense, Aliyev described military cooperation as a cornerstone of their partnership: “Our joint military projects, exercises, and defense cooperation will ensure peace and stability across our vast geography.” He also proposed expanding collaboration in new fields such as digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and space technologies.

In a strong message of regional solidarity, Aliyev congratulated Turkey on the PKK’s recent surrender, stating, “The terrorist group PKK’s decision to disband and surrender its weapons is an example of the leadership and determination of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the strength of the Turkish state.”

Aliyev also expressed concern over rising tensions between Pakistan and India, reiterating Azerbaijan’s support for a peaceful resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions. “We support a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, based on the norms and principles of international law and the resolutions of the UN Security Council,” he said.

Pakistan thanks allies for support amid tensions with India

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used the summit to thank both Turkey and Azerbaijan for their support during Pakistan’s recent military conflict with India. “Our strength lies in our solidarity as the three countries stood by each other in recent times, be it on Karabakh, Kashmir, or Northern Cyprus issues,” he said.

Sharif endorsed the vision of deepened economic and defense cooperation, welcoming Azerbaijan’s $2 billion investment pledge. He noted that Pakistan is keen to enhance joint military projects and defense industry collaboration with both countries, which he believes are critical for regional peace.

Erdogan commits to regional peace efforts

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction over the ceasefire between Pakistan and India and extended his country’s willingness to facilitate dialogue. “Turkey is pleased with the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and hopes that it evolves into permanent peace,” he stated.

Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening trilateral ties. “We will deepen our defense cooperation and will maintain our common commitment to fight against terrorism,” he emphasized.

Prime Minister Sharif’s Iran visit

Separately, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also visited Iran earlier this week as part of his regional tour. During his stay in Tehran, Sharif met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, affirming Pakistan’s support for Iran’s civilian nuclear program and bilateral cooperation on multiple fronts.

“We stand with our Iranian brothers and reaffirm our support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program,” Sharif said during a joint press appearance with President Pezeshkian. He also thanked Iran for its political support during Pakistan’s standoff with India.

The high-level Pakistani delegation included Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and other senior ministers. The talks focused on enhancing trade, investment, counterterrorism, and border security cooperation.

Honoured to call on His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran. I sought his views especially with regards to the current challenges faced by Muslim Ummah. We also exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interests. I thanked him for… pic.twitter.com/smmUBJER89

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 26, 2025

Sharif described the discussions as highly productive, noting: “There was total agreement that the two brotherly neighboring countries must enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, investment, and economy.”

Iranian President Pezeshkian welcomed the visit, emphasizing the importance of secure borders and stronger bilateral relations. He also reiterated Iran’s support for Palestine, condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Later, Sharif met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who praised the Pakistani leader’s regional peace efforts and commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The Iranian leader offered prayers for Pakistan’s development and stability.

A unified front in a fragmented region

The trilateral summit in Lachin and Sharif’s visit to Tehran together mark a significant diplomatic moment in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. With renewed emphasis on defense cooperation, energy security, and economic integration, the leaders of Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran are projecting a unified front to promote regional peace, resilience, and prosperity in the face of mounting global and local challenges.