Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Sunday to begin his four-nation trip aimed at thanking Pakistan’s close allies for their support during recent tensions with India.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, the prime minister was welcomed by Turkiye’s Minister of National Defence, Yasar Guler. Later, PM Shehbaz held an important meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as defence, trade, tourism, and culture. They also talked about important international and regional issues, especially efforts to fight terrorism.
A Turkish government spokesperson said the meeting focused on enhancing friendly relations and working together for peace in the region.
PM Shehbaz is accompanied by a delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
The prime minister’s trip includes visits to Azerbaijan, Iran, and Tajikistan after Turkiye. During his visit to Tajikistan, he will attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe on May 29-30.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif will hold wide-ranging talks with the leaders of these countries on regional peace, cooperation, and Pakistan’s recent standoff with India.
President Erdogan assured Pakistan of Turkiye’s full support during the recent conflict, while Azerbaijan and Iran also expressed strong solidarity with Islamabad. Iran has offered to help mediate between Pakistan and India to avoid further escalation.
In Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with his counterpart, discussing the upcoming visit and reviewing bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will lead a separate high-level delegation to different countries to present Pakistan’s position after the recent clash with India over the Pahalgam attack, which Islamabad denies involvement in.
