PM Shehbaz, Azerbaijan's President Aliyev discuss peace efforts in Mideast: PMO

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday discussed regional developments and peace efforts regarding the Middle East conflict with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders held a phone call on Tuesday to discuss peace efforts in the region, while also reaffirming the bilateral ties between the two countries. The two leaders exchanged greetings and reaffirmed the “strong fraternal bonds of friendship” between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to President Aliyev for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum, which will be held in Baku next week, the statement said. He expressed confidence that under Azerbaijan’s stewardship, the forum would serve as a “valuable platform for advancing the global urban development agenda”. The premier also expressed his regrets that pressing commitments would make him unable to personally attend the forum, but noted that he had ensured that Pakistan would be well-represented at the event. According to the PMO, the two leaders “expressed satisfaction on the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, while reiterating their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across areas of mutual interest including trade and investment, energy, and people-to-people contacts”. They also discussed regional developments of common concern, particularly the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East, it said. “President Aliyev expressed his deep appreciation at Pakistan’s remarkably successful initiatives to bring about a ceasefire between Iran and the US. This was a clear reflection of the trust and confidence of the international community in Pakistan and its leadership,” the statement highlighted. The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact and looked forward to meeting in person later this year, according to the statement. The prime minister also reiterated his cordial invitation to President Aliyev to undertake