ISLAMABAD: Commander of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces Rear Admiral ShahinMammadov called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at NavalHeadquarters in Islamabad, marking a significant step in deepeningbilateral defence relations. The visit featured a ceremonial guard ofhonour presented by a contingent of the Pakistan Navy, followed by thelaying of a floral wreath at the Shuhada’s Monument in tribute to fallenheroes. Discussions focused on mutual interests, the evolving regionalmaritime security landscape, and opportunities for expanded collaborationin training and defence initiatives. Both naval leaders expressedcommitment to broadening the scope of existing ties, underscoring thestrategic importance of closer naval interaction amid shared geopoliticalchallenges.
The meeting highlighted longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistanand Azerbaijan, rooted in historical, cultural, and strategic affinities.Bilateral defence cooperation has gained momentum in recent years, withreciprocal high-level visits reinforcing mutual trust. Earlier exchanges,including Admiral Naveed Ashraf’s official trip to Baku in August 2025,laid groundwork for enhanced naval collaboration through joint exercises,personnel training, and experience sharing. These interactions reflect abroader pattern of military engagement aimed at addressing common securityconcerns in maritime domains.
Regional maritime security remains a central theme in the discussions, asboth nations navigate complex dynamics in their respective areas ofinfluence. Pakistan, with its extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea andstrategic position near key international shipping lanes, places highpriority on safeguarding sea lines of communication. Azerbaijan, borderingthe Caspian Sea, focuses on protecting energy routes and ensuring stabilityin a region prone to geopolitical tensions. The naval chiefs exchangedviews on emerging threats, including piracy, terrorism at sea, andpotential disruptions to global trade, emphasizing the need for coordinatedresponses.
Avenues for enhanced cooperation in training emerged as a key outcome ofthe talks. Both sides explored possibilities for joint exercises, officerexchanges, and specialized courses to build interoperability between thePakistan Navy and Azerbaijan Naval Forces. Such initiatives would enhanceoperational readiness and foster professional development. The PakistanNavy shared a briefing on its ongoing modernization projects, showcasingadvancements in fleet capabilities, indigenous shipbuilding, andtechnological integration, which could serve as models for futurecollaborative efforts.
The pledge to diversify and strengthen the bilateral defence relationshipsignals a forward-looking approach. Pakistan and Azerbaijan haveconsistently supported each other on international forums, including mutualbacking on issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Navalcooperation forms a vital component of this broader strategic partnership,complementing ties in air defence, army exchanges, and defence industrycollaborations. Recent developments, such as participation in maritimeexpos and reciprocal delegations, indicate sustained momentum in thisdomain.
The visit by Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov is anticipated to yield tangibleresults in the near term. It builds on previous engagements, includingAzerbaijan Naval Forces’ delegation attendance at the PakistanInternational Maritime Expo in Karachi in late 2025, where discussionscovered green energy, environmental protection, and maritime trade. Theseinteractions demonstrate a multifaceted approach to naval diplomacy,extending beyond traditional security to encompass economic andtechnological dimensions.
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Experts view such high-level engagements as instrumental in promotingstability in the broader Eurasian and South Asian maritime theatres. Withincreasing focus on blue economy initiatives and secure energy corridors,strengthened naval ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan contribute toregional peace and prosperity. The commitment expressed during theIslamabad meeting reinforces the shared resolve to counter commonchallenges through dialogue and practical cooperation.
In conclusion, this interaction between the naval chiefs exemplifies theenduring spirit of fraternity between the two nations. As both pursuemodernized, capable naval forces, continued collaboration promises toelevate their strategic partnership to new heights, benefiting securityinterests and fostering greater regional connectivity.
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