Agreement aims to promote news exchange, joint coverage and professional collaboration while strengthening media ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16, 2026: The Daily Pakistan Observer of Pakistan and AzerNews of Azerbaijan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen media cooperation, facilitate the exchange of news and information and explore opportunities for joint coverage, content sharing and professional collaboration.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Pakistan Observer by Mr. Abdullah Gauhar Malik, Digital Team Lead and Diplomatic Correspondent and on behalf of AzerNews by Mr. Elnur Mammadli, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, at a ceremony in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The agreement reflects the shared commitment of the two media organisations to strengthening professional ties, promoting cross-border information exchange and exploring new avenues of cooperation in journalism and digital media. It is poised to provide a framework for news sharing, collaborative coverage of significant national and international developments and the exchange of professional expertise.
Through this partnership, both organisations aim to broaden their outreach, enhance their content offerings and foster a deeper understanding of developments in Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The initiative also underscores the growing importance of institutional media partnerships in an era of digital transformation and increasingly interconnected global audiences.
On the occasion, Mr. Elnur Mammadli paid tribute to the services of the late Mr. Zahid Malik (SI, HI), Founder Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer, acknowledging his contribution to journalism and his role in promoting the cause of the Muslim Ummah. Mr. Zahid Malik travelled to Baku o April 2, 2005, on a four-day visit at the invitation of Azerbaijani government, ahead of President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Pakistan on April 12, 2005. During his visit Mr. Zahid Malik was invited to brief President Aliyev, reflecting his role in strengthening diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Mr. Elnur Mammadli also appreciated Pakistan Observer’s initiative in conferring the Best Governed Muslim State Award upon His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, at a grand state ceremony held in Baku on May 8, 2006.
The recognition remains a notable part of the historical association between Pakistan Observer and Azerbaijan, reflecting the newspaper’s engagement with issues concerning the Muslim world and its efforts to highlight leadership and governance.
Pakistan Observer, one of Pakistan’s established English-language newspapers, has a longstanding record of covering national affairs, international relations, diplomacy, business and other matters of public interest. Its collaboration with AzerNews is poised to strengthen professional networks and create opportunities for sustained media engagement between the two countries.
The MoU marks an important step towards closer institutional cooperation between the two media organisations. Both sides will explore practical initiatives to implement the agreement, with a view to promoting responsible journalism, expanding information-sharing opportunities and further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.