Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said Pakistan has the capacity to help ease tensions between Iran and the United States, praising the country’s diplomatic engagement and leadership. Speaking at the fourth Shusha Global Media Forum in Baku, he highlighted Pakistan Iran US peace efforts and expressed hope that Islamabad would once again contribute to regional stability through dialogue.
Aliyev commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their commitment to promoting peace in the region. He said their diplomatic initiatives and continued engagement with regional stakeholders reflected Pakistan’s constructive role in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
The Azerbaijani president expressed confidence that Pakistan could play a meaningful role in encouraging dialogue between Tehran and Washington. He said peaceful diplomacy remained the most effective path for reducing tensions and promoting long-term regional security.
During his address, Aliyev also discussed Azerbaijan’s relationship with the Council of Europe. He revealed that his government is seriously considering withdrawing completely from the organisation rather than merely responding to the suspension of its parliamentary delegation’s voting rights.
According to Aliyev, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset had contacted him and urged Azerbaijan not to leave the organisation. He said discussions were continuing to explore ways of improving relations and resolving existing differences between both sides.
The Council of Europe is a 46-member human rights organisation separate from the European Union and oversees the European Court of Human Rights. Although Azerbaijan remains a full member, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe suspended the voting rights of its delegation in 2024.
Aliyev’s remarks underscored Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan Iran US peace efforts while also highlighting Baku’s ongoing concerns regarding its ties with European institutions. His comments reflected both regional diplomatic priorities and Azerbaijan’s broader foreign policy objectives.
