Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Monday praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace, saying Islamabad has the ability to help ease tensions between Iran and the United States. Speaking at the fourth Shusha Global Media Forum in Baku, he commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their commitment to diplomacy. His remarks highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in regional peace initiatives.
Aliyev said the peace efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir deserved appreciation. He expressed hope that Pakistan would once again contribute to reducing tensions and promoting stability in the region. He also praised Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement on regional security issues.
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During his address, the Azerbaijani president also discussed his country’s future relations with the Council of Europe. He said Azerbaijan was seriously considering withdrawing completely from the organisation rather than only accepting the suspension of certain rights. According to Aliyev, the country’s leadership is reviewing all available options.
Aliyev revealed that Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset had contacted him to discourage such a decision. He said Berset requested Azerbaijan to seek ways to improve relations instead of leaving the organisation. The Council of Europe is a separate human rights body comprising 46 member states and oversees the European Court of Human Rights.
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Although Azerbaijan remains a full member of the Council of Europe, its parliamentary delegation lost voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly in 2024. The issue continues to shape relations between Baku and the European institution. Aliyev’s remarks combined regional diplomacy with broader concerns about Azerbaijan’s engagement with European organisations.