Prime Minister Shehbaz returns after Antalya Diplomatic Forum and Gulf visits

Pakistan’s peace efforts in the current regional and global context remained in focus during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s three-country tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey amid tensions in the Middle East, the government said on Saturday.

The Prime Minister’s tour included visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, where, apart from meetings with the leaders of the three countries, he also had meetings with other world leaders participating in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum 2026.

“During his visits, the Prime Minister discussed strengthening relations with brotherly countries, Pakistan’s efforts to establish peace in the region and the regional and global situation,” the X government said as Prime Minister Shehbaz left Antalya for Pakistan.

“At Antalya Airport, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Ambassador Tolga Bermek, Ambassador Nilufer Kaygisiz, Member of the Turkish Parliament Burhan Kayaturk and Pakistan Ambassador to Turkey Dr Yusuf Junaid bid farewell to the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation,” the statement added.

The Pakistani delegation accompanying the Prime Minister included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Prime Minister’s Spokesperson on Foreign Media Mosharraf Zaidi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the hospitality extended during his visit. In a message on X, the Prime Minister said he was grateful for the “exceptionally warm welcome and gracious hospitality” extended to him and his delegation.

He said he was leaving the city of Antalya with “precious memories” and a renewed commitment to further strengthen the enduring bonds of brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkey.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue close cooperation with Turkey to advance dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace and stability in the region.

FM Dar said he concluded the final leg of his engagements after what he described as “productive and fruitful visits” during the trip. He said the visits included meaningful bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in key areas.

At the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz had an “excellent interaction” with Erdoğan and also engaged with other leaders on the sidelines of the forum. He added that he also had a series of important meetings and exchanges during the event.

FM Dar said the forum had become a global platform for dialogue, bringing together diverse perspectives for peace, stability and cooperation.

He expressed his gratitude to the Turkish government and people for their hospitality and arrangements, which he said made the forum a success. He also thanked the Pakistan Embassy in Ankara for its support and efforts throughout the visit.

Prime Minister Shehbaz and Erdogan on Friday reaffirmed their determination to further strengthen the strategic partnership between their countries, building on fraternal ties and a common vision of peace and prosperity.

The meeting was attended by FM Dar, Tarar and other senior officials. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and other senior Turkish officials were also present.

Read: Pakistan, Turkey pledge to capitalize on peace opening

Both leaders stressed the importance of effectively using the current window of opportunity to promote lasting regional peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also took stock of regional developments and ongoing peace efforts during a trilateral meeting with the leaders of Turkey and Qatar at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum.

Learn more: Prime Minister Shehbaz arrives in Türkiye for the final leg of his three-country tour

The Prime Minister arrived in Türkiye on Thursday to attend the forum where he held informal meetings with many world leaders.

“The meetings took place in a cordial atmosphere. During the meetings, the Prime Minister remained the center of attention of world leaders. The meetings also saw an exchange of views on the global situation and regional developments,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.