PM Shehbaz returns from official trip to Azerbaijan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned to Pakistan following the completion of a three-day official trip to Azerbaijan.

The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed his return, with the PM seen off at the Baku International Airport by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense, Farid Ahmedov.

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During his visit, Shehbaz attended the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) summit. He addressed the climate-related issues Pakistan is facing.

Shehbaz urged major polluting countries to honour their financial commitments to combat global climate change.

Shehbaz also chaired a Round Table on Climate Finance, where he called for a need to support climate action initiatives.

He participated in a high-level event on glacier preservation, as well. The PM discussed Pakistan’s efforts to protect its glaciers and water resources.

In addition to the COP29 summit, Shehbaz held several bilateral meeting with leaders from Denmark and the Czech Republic.

He engaged in informal discussions with the leader of the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Nepal on the sidelines.

Pakistan also held talks with the host, who promised to strengthen its strategic partnership with Pakistan in areas of economy, defense and cultural cooperation.

Shehbaz met with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, where the former congratulated the latter on the successful organisation of the COP29 summit.

Shehbaz also praised Aliyev on his leadership and in drumming up awareness to combat climate change.

Shehbaz informed the Azerbaijan president on Pakistan’s vulnerability  to climate change, despite its minial contribution to global emissions.

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The two Asian leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in technology sharing and joint ventures in renewable energy. They exchanged views on the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and other regional issues.