Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concludes his three-day visit to Azerbaijan, focusing on climate change, international cooperation, and strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic relations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned to Pakistan on Wednesday after a productive three-day official visit to Azerbaijan, where he participated in the COP29 Climate Action Summit. The summit, held in Baku, focused on addressing global climate challenges, and PM Sharif used the opportunity to highlight the severe climate-related challenges faced by Pakistan, one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions.

During the summit, PM Shehbaz chaired a Round Table on Climate Finance, urging major polluting nations to honor their financial commitments towards tackling global climate change. The Prime Minister also took part in a high-level event focused on glacier preservation, hosted by Tajikistan, where he outlined Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to protect its glaciers and water resources, critical to the country’s survival.

Beyond the summit, the Prime Minister held several bilateral meetings with leaders from Denmark, the Czech Republic, and other nations. These discussions revolved around strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, with Pakistan particularly focusing on climate cooperation and financial support for adaptation strategies. On the sidelines of COP29, PM Shehbaz also met informally with leaders from the UK, UAE, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Nepal, further solidifying Pakistan’s international presence and partnerships.

In addition to the climate-focused talks, PM Shehbaz engaged in discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, reaffirming Pakistan and Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership. The leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in the areas of economy, defense, culture, and renewable energy joint ventures. They also exchanged views on the geopolitical situation, including the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

PM Shehbaz praised President Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of COP29 and emphasized the importance of international collaboration in combating climate change. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to global climate action, highlighting the country’s vulnerability despite its minimal contribution to global emissions.

The Prime Minister’s visit was marked by meaningful exchanges, with a focus on climate resilience, economic cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development