Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering friendly relations with Libya, state-broadcaster PTV reported.
The development came as a high-level delegation from Libya called on PM Shehbaz at the Prime Minister’s House, PTV said in a post on X.
It said that the delegation comprised Libyan Prime Minister Dr Osama Saad Hamad, Libyan Arab Armed Forces Commander-in-chief Field Marshal Khalifa Abu-al-Qasim Haftar and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar.
It said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present during the meeting.
“During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations,” PTV said.
“The meeting reflected the shared desire to enhance cooperation in areas of common concern and to promote peace, stability, and development at regional and international levels,” PTV reported.
During the meeting, the premier “reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering friendly relations with Libya and emphasised the importance of continued engagement and dialogue”. It added that the Libyan leadership appreciated Pakistan’s role and expressed interest in expanding collaboration between the two countries.
“The meeting concluded with an understanding to maintain close contact and explore avenues for future cooperation,” PTV added.
A day earlier, weeks after signing a more than $4 billion arms deal, Pakistan’s armed forces and Libya’s eastern military had pledged to continue their engagement and collaboration.
“During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on security dynamics in respective regions and professional cooperation,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
Separately, Pakistan and Azerbaijan have pledged to further strengthen and diversify the scope of existing bilateral defence relationship.
The understanding to this effect was reached during a meeting between Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.
During the meeting, both the leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, regional maritime security situation, and avenues for enhanced cooperation in training and defence.
A briefing was also given to the visiting dignitary on Pakistan Navy’s ongoing projects. Pakistan and Azerbaijan share longstanding brotherly relations marked by close naval cooperation.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visit of Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces will further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries in general and navies in particular.
Earlier, upon arrival at the Naval Headquarters, the Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy presented him the Guard of Honour.
The Commander Azerbaijan Naval Forces also laid floral wreath at the Shuhada’s Monument.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders had reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations and agreed to expand collaboration in political, trade and investment, energy, connectivity and defence sectors.
The prime minister had thanked President Aliyev for inviting him to attend Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations, commemorating the country’s historic triumph in the 44-day Karabakh Liberation War against Armenia.