According to a statement issued by the PM House on Thursday, the federal cabinet has authorized an agreement to acquire liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from Azerbaijan at discounted pricing.
During a meeting in Baku, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif informed Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev of the cabinet’s decision, according to the statement.
“This is Pakistan’s second major achievement towards meeting its energy needs, following the recent shipment of crude oil from Russia,” the announcement stated.
According to the arrangement, Pakistan will get one LNG cargo at a discounted rate per month beginning next month.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) would work together on energy resources on a government-to-government basis.
Azerbaijan pledged to invest in Pakistan’s alternative energy sector, including solar power generation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev met at the Zugulba Palace in Baku on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations in depth.
The prime minister is on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan’s capital, accompanied by a high-level entourage, at the invitation of President Aliyev.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan decided to expand bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, and aviation to reflect the two countries’ decades-long strong connection. Following their bilateral meeting, the two leaders told the media that they will introduce Azerbaijan Airlines flights between Islamabad and Baku, increase the number of military exercises, and explore avenues of cooperation in energy, investment, and education.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership in building the city’s infrastructure and stunning horticulture after visiting the mausoleum of Azerbaijan’s first president, Haider Aliyev, and the martyrs’ memorial.
The prime minister proposed that the Azerbaijan president send experts in horticulture and garbage management to Islamabad, citing the “pleasant surprises” of Baku’s neatness and attractiveness. He informed the media that there was “total unanimity” of views on numerous bilateral and international problems during the “wonderful” talk because the relationship was built on mutual trust and sincerity of purpose. The prime minister stated that the presence of Pakistani flags across Baku symbolizes affection between the two peoples.
