Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Türkiye gained significant diplomatic momentum as he engaged in a high-level bilateral interaction with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the forum’s fifth edition, which has emerged as an influential platform for global dialogue on international peace, security, and cooperation.
The Turkish president warmly received the Pakistani prime minister and extended appreciation for his participation in the event. According to official communications from the Prime Minister’s Office, the atmosphere of the meeting was cordial and reflective of the long-standing brotherly relations between the two countries. President Erdoğan also acknowledged Pakistan’s continued engagement in regional diplomacy and expressed appreciation for Islamabad’s constructive role in promoting peace.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in return, conveyed gratitude for the hospitality extended by the Turkish leadership and the people of Türkiye. He also congratulated President Erdoğan on successfully organizing the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, describing it as a growing global platform that brings together leaders, policymakers, and diplomats from around the world to discuss pressing international challenges.
The discussions between the two leaders covered a wide range of regional and global developments, with particular emphasis on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Both sides exchanged perspectives on ongoing conflicts and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and long-term stability. The Pakistani prime minister briefed the Turkish leadership on Islamabad’s diplomatic initiatives, including efforts to maintain ceasefire arrangements and encourage dialogue for a sustainable peace settlement.
President Erdoğan appreciated Pakistan’s peace-oriented approach and reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements in the region. He emphasized that Türkiye values its close partnership with Pakistan and stands ready to contribute constructively to efforts aimed at regional stability and cooperation.
Both leaders also highlighted the importance of utilizing current diplomatic opportunities to build a more stable and peaceful regional environment. They agreed that sustained engagement and dialogue remain essential tools for resolving conflicts and preventing further escalation in already volatile regions.
In addition to political discussions, the meeting also reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical and strategic relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, noting that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand across multiple sectors, including diplomacy, trade, and institutional collaboration.
A key outcome of the meeting was the mutual agreement to hold the eighth session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Ankara later this year. This mechanism is expected to further strengthen institutional ties and accelerate progress on existing agreements between the two countries. Both leaders underscored the need to expedite ongoing projects and explore new avenues of economic collaboration that could benefit both nations.
The meeting was attended by senior members of the Pakistani delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, along with other high-ranking officials. On the Turkish side, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and other senior representatives were also present, reflecting the importance attached to the engagement by both governments.
Earlier during his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a series of diplomatic interactions with several world leaders participating in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. These included meetings with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
He further engaged in discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, as well as former Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. These meetings provided an opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen bilateral ties, exchange views on regional developments, and explore cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.
Overall, the prime minister’s participation in the forum reflected Pakistan’s active diplomatic outreach and its efforts to deepen relations with key regional and global partners while contributing to broader discussions on peace, stability, and international cooperation.