https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, June 3 (Alliance News): Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, held a high-level meeting with Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), during his official visit to Baku.
The two sides discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and explored new avenues for collaboration in oil, gas, and sustainable energy development.
According to a press release received in Islamabad, the meeting focused on expanding the existing energy ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, particularly through potential investments, technical collaboration, and joint ventures that could improve energy security for both nations.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, played an instrumental role in facilitating the visit and fostering close coordination between the two governments.
He termed the meeting a significant milestone in strengthening the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, especially in the strategic energy domain.
The Pakistani delegation emphasized Islamabad’s keen interest in building robust energy ties with Baku, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum imports, pipeline infrastructure, and renewable energy technologies. Minister Malik praised Azerbaijan as a dependable partner and acknowledged the strategic significance of SOCAR’s global presence and technological expertise.
“Pakistan is fully committed to developing strong partnerships with global energy leaders such as SOCAR. Our government is creating an investor-friendly environment that ensures transparency, regulatory support, and strategic returns,” Ali Pervaiz Malik said.
He also briefed the Azerbaijani counterparts on Pakistan’s ongoing energy reforms, which include modernizing oil refineries, enhancing LNG terminal capacity, and expanding power transmission systems.
SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf welcomed the Pakistani delegation and appreciated the country’s energy sector progress, particularly the shift toward sustainability and reform. He reaffirmed SOCAR’s interest in strengthening its engagement with Pakistani institutions and companies.
“Pakistan is an important regional partner, and SOCAR looks forward to exploring joint investment opportunities that can bring mutual benefits,” Najaf stated.
He also expressed willingness to collaborate in oil and gas exploration, LNG trade, and capacity building through technical training and expert exchanges.
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov added that energy cooperation is a cornerstone of the growing strategic relationship between both countries and highlighted the recent momentum in bilateral engagement across trade, infrastructure, and cultural diplomacy.
He said the Azerbaijani government values Pakistan’s geostrategic role and welcomes its participation in regional energy initiatives.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to advance technical-level discussions and finalize specific areas for cooperation.
There was consensus on the need to establish working groups and explore the possibility of signing MoUs for joint ventures, investments, and technological collaboration in oil and gas.
The two parties also discussed regional energy connectivity and reaffirmed their commitment to developing cross-border infrastructure to ensure energy stability and economic integration across South and Central Asia.
The Federal Minister’s visit marks a significant step in advancing Pakistan’s energy diplomacy and regional outreach, amid growing challenges in energy supply and demand.
Enhanced cooperation with Azerbaijan is expected to play a critical role in diversifying Pakistan’s energy portfolio and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Future rounds of engagement between technical experts and policymakers are expected in the coming months, aiming to transform this strategic understanding into actionable projects.
