ANTALYA /ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, with both leaders reaffirming support for Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace in the Middle East.
During the meeting, Erdoğan praised Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative and said Türkiye would “continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to bring peace to the region,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The talks come as Islamabad plays a central role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran following a fragile ceasefire. PM Sharif thanked Erdoğan for his support and shared updates on efforts to sustain the ceasefire and resume negotiations.
Both leaders stressed the importance of using the current momentum to achieve a “durable and lasting regional peace,” amid ongoing diplomatic engagement linked to the Islamabad Talks.
The two sides also reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership, expressing satisfaction over growing bilateral ties and agreeing to convene the next High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting in Ankara later this year, while exploring avenues to deepen economic cooperation.
Also, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday participated in a trilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum and discussed recent regional developments and ongoing peace efforts. The worrying situation in Gaza and Palestine was also discussed.
They agreed to continue close cooperation to further advance dialogue and diplomacy for lasting regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded US President Trump for his leadership that led to the successful conclusion of the ceasefire in Lebanon.
The prime minister expressed his warm regards during a courtesy call on paid on him by Senior Advisor to the US President for Arab and African Affairs, on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2026) in Antalya, Türkiye, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
During the cordial meeting, the prime minister conveyed his warm regards for President Donald Trump, while fondly recalling his own warm and cordial interactions with him. He reiterated deep appreciation for President Trump’s bold and decisive leadership that had led to the ceasefire between Pakistan and India last year, when both countries were on the brink of war.
The prime minister lauded President Trump for his leadership that led to the successful conclusion of the ceasefire in Lebanon.
The two sides also discussed current regional developments including Pakistan’s peace efforts that led to the ceasefire as well as the historic Islamabad Talks.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations, especially economic and trade cooperation, as well as matters of mutual interest in multilateral diplomacy.
Massad Boulos conveyed greetings to the Prime Minister from President Donald Trump and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive contributions to regional stability. He also reiterated the United States’ interest in deepening engagement with Pakistan on shared priorities, including counter-terrorism, economic development, and addressing global challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministe for Information Attaullah Tarar and SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi also attended the meeting.
PM holds sideline meetings with world leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a series of informal yet significant interactions with global leaders on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum during his visit to Antalya, reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement on regional and international issues.
During the forum, the prime minister met with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Amir of the State of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held separate meetings with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, on the margins of the forum.
The meetings were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emerging as a key focal point of engagement among participating leaders. The discussions covered evolving regional and global developments, as well as avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and security sectors.
