Azerbaijan is set to receive the first batch of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan soon, with possibilities of joint production in the future, Information Minister Atta Tarar revealed during an interview on 'Nadeem Malik Live'.
He stated that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed keen interest in strengthening defense ties with Pakistan and has also pledged a $2 billion investment in the country.
Tarar confirmed that discussions on Azerbaijan’s investment in Pakistan are in the final stages, and the agreements are expected to be signed during President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Islamabad in April.
“The President of Azerbaijan has shown great interest in Pakistan’s defense industry and infrastructure development. Along with defense collaboration, the construction of highways and other projects have also been discussed,” the minister said.
Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated in the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum in Baku alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, where he emphasized the strengthening of defense cooperation and called the North-South Corridor a "game changer" for the region.
During his address, PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan and Azerbaijan’s commitment to enhancing collaboration in the defense sector, particularly in defense production. He noted that the JF-17 fighter jet stands as a testament to high-tech military cooperation between the two nations.
Also Read: JF-17 fighter jet proof of Pakistan-Azerbaijan military ties: PM
The prime minister also announced that a $2 billion investment agreement would be finalised within a month, further deepening economic ties between the two nations. He encouraged business communities from both sides to take full advantage of emerging investment opportunities.
During the visit, Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), including:
- Amendments to the framework agreement for LNG trade between the two nations.
- The White Oil Pipeline Project, aimed at improving energy connectivity.
- Declaration of Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) and Lahore (Pakistan) as twin cities, further strengthening cultural and economic ties.
