The prime minister held informal talks with Putin, Erdogan and Central Asian leaders, as well as a formal meeting with Iran’s Pezeshkian.
ACHEGABAT:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday exchanged pleasantries with world leaders at the international forum on the occasion of the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
On the sidelines of the event, the Prime Minister held informal discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
The prime minister, who delivered a speech at the forum earlier in the day, attracted attention as leaders gathered in a room, engaging in informal discussions on issues of common concern.
A video clip released by the Prime Minister’s Office shows Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly holding hands with Russian President Putin and Kyrgyz President Zhaparov while engaging in separate conversations with them.
Earlier, he also joined world leaders at the iconic Neutrality Monument, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony before addressing the forum where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of global disputes, while urging the international community to put pressure on the Afghan Taliban to honor their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
Iranian President
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a bilateral meeting with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the international debate.
During their warm and cordial meeting, the two leaders appreciated the strong support their countries extended to each other when they faced external aggression earlier this year, a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
While noting the successful holding of the 22nd meeting of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission earlier this year, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for both sides to continue working closely to enhance bilateral cooperation with a view to increasing the volume of bilateral trade, operationalizing border markets, strengthening border security and reinvigorating transport connectivity through the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul railway network.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take meaningful steps to address Pakistan’s serious security concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
The two leaders also discussed ongoing peace efforts in Gaza.
President Pezeshkian thanked the Prime Minister for this very useful and timely exchange of views and said that Iran also wishes to further strengthen its ties with Pakistan.
The meeting reflected the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, rooted in their common history, culture and faith. The two leaders agreed to continue regular high-level engagements and consultations to further consolidate bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Neutrality Monument
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined leaders of various countries at the iconic Neutrality Monument on Friday, to lay a wreath in commemoration of the International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
At the invitation of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Prime Minister is making a two-day official visit to Ashgabat.
Besides Prime Minister Shehbaz, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev were also among the leaders, alongside representatives of the United Nations and other international organizations who laid a wreath at the monument.
